Downsview, for the week of April 10th, your Student of the Week is Khaled B.
Khaled is in the twelfth grade; he will graduate soon.

For Khaled, who arrived at DSS in the tenth grade, this win is a three-peat. In other words, he has been here for three years, and has earned this award three times - an impressive feat. Let’s hear more about how Khaled reached this height.

First, from Silvana: “Khaled, congrats on this deserving recognition, Khaled you have always been an exemplar of a person who “sees” people, whether they are adults or students, you say hello to all, make a positive comment to anyone you are engaging with. You are always willing to make DSS the amazing school it is by volunteering in the many extra curricular activities and clubs. Your energy and positivity is contagious. Thanks for being you and for modeling a true DSS student leader. Keep on shining and spreading your energy and kindness as you make all of us who know you feel better and you make the school culture feel better. I’m so proud of you, Khaled.”

From Ms Veoli: “I'm struggling to find the words to describe why Khaled is such a wonderful individual. I haven't met many students who strive the way he does, to do the best he can in every component of his life. How can he excel in school?  How can he be kind and wonderful to each and every person he comes in contact with?  How can he help important programming run at Downsview? Sometimes it's easy to get involved in a lot of initiatives and it can all get overwhelming. Things have gotten overwhelming for Khaled too, but he has ALWAYS been reliable and ALWAYS tries his best. Three university applications, and three acceptances.  Khalid, I am SO proud of you. You can achieve whatever you want, and I know you'll do so with kindness and your best foot forward. We will miss you!”

From Ms de Jersey: “Every teacher wants you in their class, Khaled. You smile, you nod, you connect, you prod others, you learn. Your curiosity is a strength, Khaled; it has moved you through difficult patches, and it will continue to propel you. Your bravery in investigating yourself - your behaviour and your motivation - runs deep. Most of us don’t want to look at ourselves with such a naked eye, but you’ve embraced this very personal journey with courage. I’ve learned a lot from you, Khaled, and I thank you.”

Hear this, from Mr Ramnaraine: “Khaled, I vividly remember your first day at Downsview. You just arrived at a new school not knowing anyone at the height of the pandemic. It was not easy. I am so proud of how far you've come over the last few years. You are a kind, caring leader in our school community. Your involvement in the radio club, peer tutoring, the Tools of Possibilities Conference, robotics and so much more is incredible and has not gone unnoticed. This is just the tip of the iceberg - I know you will move on to do great things! Congratulations on a well deserved award!”

From Ms Susnik: “Khaled is a conscientious, determined, motivated young man who will definitely continue to make an impact outside the Downsview community.  Khaled's willingness to support his fellow students and staff make him an asset to the school. It is a pleasure to work with Khaled at Downsview. Congratulations, Khaled on being Student of the Week.” 

From Mr Lewin: “Khaled has made an invaluable contribution to the Downsview family over the years through his compassionate, thoughtful and selfless nature. Khaled is a straight-A student scholar who will be attending university in the fall. Equally as important, Khaled is an A-plus human being, always willing to go the extra mile to help those who are in need. Khalid's involvement within the Downsview school community has taken a variety of roles including peer tutor, peer mentor, score keeper, morning news announcer, robotics and  member of the student council.

Khaled is committed to self-growth in all aspects of his life.  It cannot be overstated that  Khaled is a wonderful person and scholar who will invariably make a positive and long lasting difference in the world through his acts of kindness and humility. The Downsview family is proud of all that you have accomplished. Keep on being you!”

And, from Mr Wallace: “I believe in Khaled. So many of us do. He is kindness and empathy, dedication and reliability, intelligence and hard-work. How many of us has he lifted up by his hello and his smile in the morning?  How many of us have found ourselves in a better place because Khaled has walked beside us for a time? How many of us have found the strength to be selfless because Khaled has shown us how? Khaled has been on a long journey to believe in himself. There have been times when he didn't. But while we all can say that about ourselves, Khaled has demonstrated that the actions of caring and compassion are habits that we can perform even when we don't feel like it much. Khaled is learning to trust the process, and what he's got going is a beautiful thing! “

From Mr Hum: “Khaled is a very caring, polite and well-mannered young man with so much potential. Khaled is also an unbelievably well rounded individual. Whether he’s working on a robot, tutoring younger students, scorekeeping at the basketball game, or getting top marks in his classes, Khaled works hard at everything he’s involved in. He is no doubt a future superstar for his community, if he isn’t already. Congratulations, Khaled and we all look forward to the amazing things you will accomplish in the future.”

And finally, hear this, from our Vice-Principal, Ms Forde: “Khaled is a very worthy recipient of our Student of the Week Award. In everything he does, he represents the very best of student leadership at our school. Khaled is one of our cherished "Voices of Downsview" on the morning announcements. He takes his responsibility very seriously and demonstrates an exemplary degree of care and attention to detail when reporting the news of the day; thank you, Khaled, for keeping us all informed!  Khaled is also a dedicated senior member of our Robotics team, where he volunteers an incredible amount of time and effort working in collaboration with his teammates.  In his classes, Khaled is known for being a special helper to his peers, selflessly sharing his knowledge and skills, always with a smile.  Khaled, of all your gifts, we are MOST proud of you for your integrity and good moral character. Congratulations, Khaled!”

Wow, Khaled. You heard it here, and we only speak the truth about Students of the Week. You are a much-loved and admired member of the Downsview community. Congratulations once again on your win as Student of the Week.