Week of January 23rd, 2023

Arda C.

Downsview, for the week of January 23rd, it is a pleasure to announce that Arda is your Student of the Week. Arda is in the twelfth grade at Downsview.

Let’s get straight to the praise for Arda. From Mr. Ramnaraine: Throughout the last few years I have known Arda to be a polite and positive young man. As he completes his final year of high school I have had the opportunity to see his leadership skills in action with his participation in the Boys2Men program as well as how much he has supported his peers as they complete college and university applications. It has been really nice to see how much time and genuine care Arda has taken to support his peers throughout the application process. Arda has a bright future ahead of him. Congratulations!

Here’s what Mr. Wallace has to say: Arda is the steady presence any group needs: a classroom, Boys to Men, a team, weight room, friends. He is smart, of course, but also has a really clear sense of what others need. Arda is a one man support system. He listens, he walks with you, he gets you to laugh when you need it. He also gets things done and helps others to get things done. All this sounds simple, but it's not. He knows that he needs to take care of himself to be able to be there for others; he knows that he needs to pay attention to the signals others are sending before he can help. At the root of all these characteristics is a deep understanding of how central to our lives are our relationships. Masculinity gets a lot of criticism these days, and not without reason, but Arda displays another way. What Arda demonstrates is that nurturing is as much a male trait as any other. 

Hear this from Ms. Dispenza: “Arda has been a pleasure to teach.  He exhibits a positive outlook and attitude in class by building supportive relationships with peers and exercises his leadership and responsibility traits with respect to his post-secondary application and goals .  Arda is courteous and shows good manners in the classroom.  His involvement in the school community expands with his participation in the Kwanzaa celebration. “ Congratulations, Arda, on becoming this week's Student of the Week!

And lastly from Mr. Lewin: “Arda is a thoughtful and caring young man who has inspired his fellow peers through his compassionate nature. Arda has a steadfast desire to enrich the lives of others. Recently, Arda facilitated a  workshop for student scholars in the Boys to Men program that tackled the topic of how to create an excellent resume. Arda's strong leadership and communication skills were on full display. Arda will be attending university in the fall . His goal is to obtain a degree in business. Arda, we  are so  proud of all that you have accomplished. Congratulations on winning student of the week!

Well Arda. You are loved and respected here, and we see your deep value, as a student, as a mentor, as a person. Congratulations once again, Arda. You have earned the title: Student of the Week.