Each year, the OCDSB Student Recognition Awards celebrate excellence in student leadership. Students are chosen by their principals and vice-principals for their demonstration of initiative, supported by the will to succeed, the dedication to finish what they started, and the commitment to achieve their personal best. In addition, the Excellence in Equity Student Recognition Award recognizes the initiative students have taken to achieve a positive, safe, and inclusive school climate.
Congratulations to this year’s winners from Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School: Wren D. and Shahd A.!
Wren D. received the Student Recognition Award:
Since joining Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School in grade 10, Wren has flourished and become a quiet but pivotal leader in the school community. She has taken on leadership roles across a variety of activities, including the Arts Club, Link/Leadership Class, AV Production and Broadcasting Specialist High Skills Major, and school musicals. Wren has also maintained an active involvement in athletics (wrestling, rugby) and is a consistent presence at all school events, supporting her classmates in their pursuits. As a regular anchor of the daily live video broadcast announcements, Wren is very much the voice of the school. Her unrelenting positive attitude and love for the school is infectious.
Shahd A. received the Excellence in Equity Student Recognition Award:
Shahd, a standout leader at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School, has spearheaded various initiatives fostering equity and embracing diversity. Through the Muslim Student Association (MSA), she orchestrated impactful events like fundraising for Palestine, organizing a successful school-wide Iftar, and hosting an Eid celebration. Beyond the MSA, Shahd contributed to the Sir Wilfrid Laurier Mock Trial and Girls Soccer teams and the Link/Leadership program. Shahd’s advocacy ensures support for Muslim students, fostering connections and empowerment. She arranged for Monia Mazigh to speak on International Women’s Day, providing a safe space for discussions on Islamophobia. Recently, Shahd moderated a student panel at the Ontario Public Supervisory Officers’ Association (OPSOA) Conference. She impressively guided discussions on equity and inclusion before 300 educational leaders. Since she moved to Canada from Saudi Arabia five years ago, Shahd has learned English while growing into a confident leader. Her journey is a testament to her resilience and impact on the school community.
Learn more about this year's award recipients on the OCDSB website.