Week of December 12th, 2022

Ariana T. and Deval N.

Downsview, for the week of December 12th, it is a pleasure to announce that Ariana and Deval are your Students of the Week. Ariana is in the eleventh grade and Deval is in the 12th grade at Downsview.

Let’s get straight to the praise for Ariana and Deval: From Ms. Elwin: “Ariana and Deval: Thank you for being involved in student leadership initiatives throughout the school. Student involvement and voice is so important and you are both examples of what it means to be a student ambassador.”

Hear this from Mr. Ramnaraine: “I am amazed at how quickly Ariana and Deval’s leadership skills have evolved over the last year. Ariana has become involved in many extracurricular activities around the school - QSA, the baking club and score keeping for Ms. Susnik. And Deval’s involvement with Boys2Men has proved his impact as a student leader and mentor in our school community. Both Ariana and Deval volunteered much of their time to lead this year’s Black Brilliance conference. Little did they know that they would also be our student MC’s. They bravely spoke in front of nearly 300 people and did so with confidence and grace. I am so proud of all of your hard work and all that you will continue to do. Congratulations to you both on a well deserved award!”

From Mr. Wallace: “The Black Brilliance Conference is an endeavour that is bigger than any one individual, but requires each individual involved to push beyond their own expectations of themselves to achieve something great. This year's Black Brilliance Conference was a huge success and was the first live one for three years. Two students who committed themselves to the process, who shut down the word "can't" in their heads and replaced it with "I'll try" are Ariana Tappenden and Deval Noel. What can you achieve when you say "yes" to something, even if you are not sure that you are ready? Ariana and Deval can tell you the answer: a lot. As the conference planning unfolded, Ariana and Deval demonstrated their high level of commitment to the process and were obvious choices to MC the event. On the day, they were aware of the burden of responsibility and were nervous, but when it was show time, their commitment to what needed to be done gave them the strength to push past any anxiety, open their mouths and begin. And the results were wonderful: they set the welcoming, generous, energetic, organized tone that you could feel throughout the day. In addition, they presented in their workshops, providing a positive environment for students from across the city to feel heard. But these achievements were not achieved overnight. Ariana and Deval, each in their own way, have demonstrated their deep engagement with the life of the school  over the past few years and are valued classmates . Ariana's  and Deval's positivity and courage to step up are aspects of what is best about the Downsview community and it is so good that they receive this recognition.”

Let’s hear what Ms. Silvana has to say: “Ariana,You have so many amazing qualities and I’m so proud of your student of the week recognition. Thanks for being you and for always ensuring students and clubs are well represented and cared for. Your leadership to bring students together and get things done, is remarkable.  In addition to making everyone around you feel comfortable and happy especially with your radiant smile. Keep doing what you are doing and congratulations on the student of the week!”

And from Ms. Susnik: “Ariana has such a cheery disposition and can always be counted on to support any leadership task that Downsview has to offer. Her determination, work ethic and motivation make her a valued leader. Congratulations Ariana for winning Student of the week.”

From Ms. Persaud: “Ariana is an enthusiastic student. While she can be fun and playful, she also knows when to be serious and get work done. Ariana's involvement in a variety of activities at Downsview, including Black Brilliance and Student Council, proves that she is committed to gaining invaluable experience and developing various life-long skills. Her hard work and commitment is admirable and I know she has a bright future ahead! Congratulations on earning Student of the Week!”

Mr. Hum says: “Deval is a very humble, kind, polite, young man who is always willing to help others around him. Good job Deval! Congrats! Arianna has her foot in so many different initiatives at Downsview, it’s dizzying. She’s living proof that being a well rounded individual should be an important part of everyone’s life. Thank You Arianna for all that you do for the Downsview community. Keep up the great work!”

And From Ms. Sonia: “I first met Deval in Kindergarten. He had a caring and inspiring demeanour then. But now you are on fire, keep up the amazing work young man . You are a powerful force. Ariana every time I see you you have such a warm and kind way about you, always smiling . Love your positive vibes. Keep shining my dear.”

Mr. Lewin says”: “Congratulations, Ariana and Noel  for  winning student of the week.   The exemplary  leadership that they  demonstrated at Downsview 's  hugely successful student led   Black Brilliance  Conference  was truly inspiring . They did an incredible job of  facilitating the plenary session in the afternoon which gave  Black student scholars the opportunity to openly share what needs to be done in all schools  to dismantle all manifestations of anti Black Racism so that a Universal form  of love  can reign supreme.

Moreover,  during the course of the Black Brilliance Conference , Deval played a leadership role in terms of helping to spearhead the workshop  entitled "Embracing  our  Crown: Politics of Black hair ." Ariana was one  of the  lead facilitators for the workshop entitled " Recognizing and  Celebrating  Black LGBTQ+ voices."

In addition to their involvement in the Black Brilliance Conference ,Deval is an active participant in the Law in Action  leadership initiative which gives aspiring lawyers the opportunity to be mentored by persons who have already established themselves in the legal profession.  Ariana  is involved  in Downsview's Queer  Straight Alliance which  provides  a safe , inclusive ,and empowering space to LGBTQ+ youth and their 

Allies. Downsview's QSA champions initiatives that are designed to  eradicate all  forms of   homophobia and heterosexism. 

In closing, Deval Noel and  Ariana Tappenden  are exceptional student scholars and leaders  who are committed to being agents of change in their school community , and in the larger society.”

And lastly from Kevin and Amita our Student Equity Program Advisors: “Deval and Ariana took on a tremendous leadership role for the Black Brilliance conference. Not only were they part of the organizing committee, they also both facilitated their own separate workshops with other Downsview student facilitators and somehow managed to MC the Black Brilliance conference both in the morning and the afternoon! Ariana, helped to develop and co-facilitated the first ever LGBTQ+ workshop for the Black Brilliance conference and Deval worked on fine-tuning aspects of the Politics of Black Hair: Embracing Our Crown workshop. Throughout the process, they showed dedication, commitment and passion toward the Black Brilliance conference and their peers. Over this short time period from October till now, they have demonstrated incredible personal growth and potential. They both work tireless to give back to their school and community in many ways. We are so proud to have had the pleasure to work with them and as members of the Black Brilliance planning committee. 

Ariana and Deval, we see you. Continue doing great things! Congratulations on your wins as Students of the Week!