Sir Wilfrid Laurier SS

Each year, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Student Recognition Awards celebrate excellence in student leadership. Students are chosen by their principals and/or 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.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients from Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School: Eden Nowiski, Student Recognition Award recipient, and Gracia Mwanga, Excellence in Equity Student Recognition Award recipient!
Eden Nowiski, Student Recognition Award
Eden Nowiski is an empathetic, dedicated and responsible leader at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School. Her communication skills, creative thinking, and positive and welcoming attitude have had a widespread and positive impact. As a Leadership and LINK Crew leader, she has been responsible for leading in-person and virtual activities for students, and has volunteered much of her time to support school spirit activities like Grade 9 Orientation Day and Spirit Days. During the past school year, she was elected as a Student Council Co-President, supported and helped promote many Student Council events, and helped run the school’s Movember campaign to raise awareness and funds for men’s health. Eden has been a leader in her classes since she first started at Sir Wilfrid Laurier, has excellent conflict resolution skills, and always supports others and makes them feel valued. She has demonstrated perseverance when handling difficult situations, including the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eden is truly able to bring out the best in others and assert herself as a leader. She has remained an excellent student throughout her time in high school, and plans to continue her studies in commerce at Queen’s University. Her teachers and peers wish her all the best!
Gracia Mwanga, Excellence in Equity Student Recognition Award 

Gracia Mwanga has been an active student leader at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School, always promoting an inclusive school climate in sports and cultural events. She demonstrates creativity, teamwork, and leadership, all of which were evident when she represented her school in the 2020-2021 Black Youth Forum and brought her learnings to the student team responsible for planning Black History Month. She is also a founding member of Sir Wil’s Black 365 Student Union, was instrumental in developing the key pillars of the BSU, and helped establish the basis for the weekly Soul Time hangouts in a supportive space for Black students. Gracia distinguishes herself by investing her time and energy in building community and fostering pride among her peers, all while sharing cultural knowledge with students and staff. Her strong communication skills were witnessed by all when she facilitated sessions during a city-wide virtual Black Youth Conference, and when she offered a Q&A session for students this past fall about her experience participating in the Black Youth Program. Gracia approaches every opportunity with a friendly demeanor and positive outlook that truly sets her apart from others!