Downsview, for the week of March 27th, your Student of the Week is Charles N. Charles is in the twelfth grade; he will graduate soon.

Charles, your name came forward for this award following your commitment to recent robotics events. Let’s hear first from Mr Syal: “I had the pleasure of teaching Charles for the past four years. He is quiet, but I am very impressed with his dedication to his education.  He works very hard and diligently. In the past month, he has grown to be a leader of the Robotic Team.  During the robotic tournament at Georgian College, he manipulated the game pieces. His confidence spilled over to other members of the team, inspiring them. Every teacher dreams of teaching and working with a student like Charles. I wish Charles the best of luck with his future endeavours.”

And, from  Mr Phillips: “Charles has a quiet resolve that at first appears as shyness, but upon speaking with Charles you know that he prefers to just show his skills in a quiet manner. Charles was an intelligent and successful student in my classroom who worked through tough questions with great determination. I also know that Charles' talent extends to the robotics team. In tandem with Jelani, Charles seems to operate as if he and the driver share the same brain. It's not easy to time the robot's actions with the break-neck speed of the driver, but Charles handles this with the same quiet resolve he shows in the classroom. Congrats on becoming Student of the Week, Charles!”

Mr Hum adds: “Charles is a very polite, well-mannered young man who has tons of potential to be a great leader. Charles is someone who isn't necessarily very vocal, but leads by example. If you know Charles, he has a very positive attitude and approach to any challenge he faces. Amazing Job Charles! Keep up the great work!”

From Mr Wallace: “Charles is academically powerful, absorbing knowledge and skill with insight and clarity. He is a great peer, sharing his understanding easily and generously with others. What Charles has shown to himself and to others is the power of working as part of a team. Charles will lead if he has to, but he prefers to walk alongside you on a project together. Whether it is Black Brilliance, Tools of Possibility, Robotics, or the next problem set, Charles is there, shoulder to shoulder with his peers making good things happen. Charles realized this team approach over time. When he arrived at Downsview he kept to himself, but over time he has developed into a key contributor of so many student-led initiatives. He has relaxed into this new way of working and it suits him.”

And, from Mr Lewin: “Charles is a humble, caring, insightful and highly intelligent   young man who exudes excellence. Case in point, Charles Nyarko is a straight-A student scholar, determined to get the best education possible in hopes of making a long-lasting difference in the lives of others.

Charles Nyarko is in Downsview 's Africentric program and it is expected that student scholars will take on leadership roles. Suffice it to say that Charles has exceeded all expectations. He played an instrumental role in helping to facilitate Downsview 's highly successful student-led Black Brilliance conference which took place in December, 2022. 

Currently, Charles is an invaluable member of Downsview 's award winning Robotics team.  Charles is a strong supporter of STEM education. He will attend university in the fall and plans to become a university professor.  Congratulations , Charles for winning Student of the Week. The Downsview family is beaming with pride at all that you have accomplished.”

And finally, hear this from our Principal, Ms Elwin: “Charles, congratulations on being the Student of the Week. Thank you for your hours of time spent on building the robot. It takes hard work, perseverance and dedication to put so much effort into an initiative. These qualities will lead you far.”

Charles, your involvement with Robotics may have brought your name to the fore for this award, but your deep commitment to learning really brought home your nomination. Thank you, Charles, for sharing your passion and your kind intelligence. Congratulations once again on earning the title: Student of the Week.