OCDSB recognizes local students for leadership and excellence in equity

Four students from Barrhaven’s two public high schools were recognized as the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Student Recognition Awards celebrated excellence in student leadership last month.

Each year, the. Students are chosen by their principals and vice-principals for their demonstration of initiative, supported by the will to succeed, the dedication to finish what they started, and the commitment to achieve their personal best.

In addition, the Excellence in Equity Student Recognition Award recognizes the initiative students have taken to achieve a positive, safe, and inclusive school climate.

Please note that the OCDSB did not disclose last names of the award winners.

Naylah A. John McCrae Secondary School

Naylah A. is a formidable force of positivity at John McCrae Secondary School. She has a warm smile and never hesitates to share a happy greeting with anyone she meets. Naylah has taken on many leadership roles at the school with enthusiasm, practicality, and warm assertiveness. When the Threadworks teacher advisor needed to be away for several months, Naylah stepped right into the role of leader, organizer, mentor, and teacher. She ran the Threadworks club of 30 students, keeping track of community service hours, ordering supplies, teaching new students how to knit and crochet, planning fundraisers, and managing the equipment. The group is very diverse, and Naylah welcomed everyone with maturity and empathy. Her generous spirit and kind nature have truly left an impact on the staff and students at John McCrae!

Mahmoud H. Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School

Mahmoud H. dynamic personality and strong leadership skills have truly uplifted the people around him at Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School. He has had an immensely positive impact on younger students, who look up to him, respect him, and consider him a role model. His care and respect for the school environment and community values have set a great example for all students!

Mahmoud has also served as club president for the Muslim Students Association, where his numerous contributions have demonstrated integrity and a high level of dedication towards serving his peers and ensuring their needs are met. He has never hesitated to give up his personal time to ensure events and activities are prop- erly organized, and to provide support and knowledge to anyone who needs it. This promising young leader has developed and strengthened his character through team work and significant responsibilities, and he has carried each one with a great deal of maturity. Mahmoud has been a wonderful asset to the school, and his presence will be greatly missed!

Excellence in Equity Student Recognition Award nominees

Mariam S.

John McCrae Secondary School

Mariam S. has been involved in many activities and initiatives in order to promote inclusion and a positive school environment at John McCrae Secondary School. She has been an active member of the school’s LINK crew, has hosted the Remembrance Day assembly and talent show, and has served as an executive member of the Diversity in STEM Club. In all of these roles, she has been an excellent and welcoming representative of the school. As an executive member of the Diversity in STEM Club, Mariam has created a variety of fun and engaging activities to help foster students’ interest in STEMrelated fields. She has also worked to encourage all peers that they can pursue further work in a STEM field regardless of their background. She has also demonstrated positive leadership skills in her work as an executive member, particularly by valuing their

June contributions and strengths in the planning of activities for the club. Mariam is resilient, determined and confident, always willing to take risks and faces challenges head-on. She readily displays an eagerness and willingness to learn, and shares her knowledge with her peers by assisting them!

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