Downsview, for the week of March 6th, your Student of the Week is Shanice S. Shanice is in the eleventh grade at Downsview.

Shanice, we’re going to get right to the praise for you - there is a lot of admiration for you out there. Let’s start with words from your nominator, Ms Auld: “Shanice is a rising star that is striving to reach her fullest potential. She has made a significant amount of improvement by engaging in more positive activities that highlight her strengths. For example, Shanice is doing an outstanding job doing the daily announcements. Shanice, I am super proud of you. Please continue to keep up the good work and strive for excellence!”

And, from Ms de Jersey: “Shanice, I was not surprised to see your name in the running for this coveted award. When I met you in ninth grade English class, I was impressed by your curiosity, and your open-mindedness. You want to know things, and you want to understand why things are as they are. What a valuable quality. And now, it seems that you are taking this to the next level - your curiosity has led you to a view of the gaps around you, and you’re trying to fill these in. Bravo, Shanice.”

From Ms Susnik: “Shanice demonstrates excellence in the classroom by consistently advancing herself to higher levels of academic achievement. She has the ability to motivate and encourage herself and her peers to advance past their expectations both academically and socially.  Congratulations, Shanice on being the Student of the Week.”

Hear this, from Mr Lewin: “Shanice is a power house - an amazingly  positive force to be reckoned with both now and in the future. Shanice is a compassionate, reflective and insightful young woman who is truly committed to working with others to make the world a better place in which to live.   . 

Shanice is an invaluable member of the Downsview family.  She played a leadership role in the planning of the student-led Black.Brilliance Conference, which took place in  December 2022. She is also part of the student-led planning committee for the upcoming Black Brilliance conference for our feeder schools. 

She is also part of Downsview's Laws in Action program which provides student scholars  access to the legal profession with the opportunity to be mentored by lawyers from Tory's Law Firm. Shanice Samms is a kind, considerate and genuine person who has enriched the lives of so many people  through her words and deeds.  Congratulations for earning the honour of being Student of the Week!”

And, from Mr Ramnaraine: “Shanice is a kind and caring person. She is loyal to her peers and is working very hard to achieve her goal of becoming a nurse. I am amazed to see her growth over the last few years. She has evolved into quite the leader as an integral member of our Black Student Association, African Heritage Month and Black Brilliance planning committees. Shanice you are so deserving of this award - congratulations!”

Ms Pal has this to say: “Shanice is an active member of the Sisterhood Club, and we can always rely on her attendance and participation in the group.  She has a strong voice, and amazing leadership qualities. A good leader is someone who is comfortable handling suggestions and adapting to changing situations, and I believe that Shanice has shown that she is capable of demonstrating this important skill in her involvement in both the Sisterhood group and in the African Heritage Committee.  Keep striving Shanice!”

Hear this, from Mr Wallace: “None of us knows our strength until it has been tested. Sometimes the test comes from without; sometimes it comes from within; sometimes it comes from both. Shanice knows this. She knows how experiences can challenge your confidence; she knows about doubt and how it works its way into your soul. But in coming to this knowledge, at times along an uneven road, Shanice has found her strength. She is excelling academically, and she has her sights firmly on her future. Being able to see through the storms of life to behold your destination is a gift that is earned. Her journey is one we can all learn from.”

Mr Pasian adds that Shanice is an “excellent student. She is conscientious, with a particular interest in math and science.  She works hard, and cares a lot about doing well in all of her subjects.”

Silvana has this to say: “Shanice, congratulations, I’m soooo proud of the person you have become. You have put yourself first and honoured yourself to grow and become the leader you are today. I’m soooo happy for this achievement you earned, I can’t wait to hear all about the amazing things you will do in the future. The sky’s the limit.”

From Mr Lindsay: “Shanice, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievements that you have accomplished throughout this school year. You are resilient, tenacious, and a valuable member of our Downsview community. Your infectious enthusiasm lightens any space and you have been such a positive influence on your peers. Keep aiming for the stars, JV!”

And, from Ms Reid: “Shanice is a responsible and dedicated student who takes great pride in her work. She’s usually the first one to participate in class discussions and she encourages her peers to do the same. Without a doubt, Shanice is a quiet thunder who is highly reflective and asserts her truth with no reservations. On any given day her graceful smile shifts the dynamics of any space she enters. Heartiest congratulations on winning Student of the Week, Shanice! You are most deserving of this praise.”

The final words come from Shanice herself: “I am focussing more on myself, my mental health and on loving my friends. We’re all going through things and I want to really support my friends. In the last year, I’ve taken the time to look at my life. I want to heal and live a good life, even though I am not sure what I want for the future yet. I am gaining confidence in myself and I am taking the time to know myself.”

Wow, Shanice. Let the multitude and depth of these words sink in. You have a big cheering section here at Downsview. The future may be a question mark, a mystery, but you will shape it, Shanice. Congratulations once again on your win as Student of the Week.