AVSS Teacher Dereyk Goodwin, Leyla Boyacigil, John Sanders and Suzanne Ferguson

 

Good afternoon.  My name is Dereyk Goodwin and I am the Communications Technology & Drama teacher at Arthur Voaden Secondary School. 

 

Today I am most honoured to acknowledge our recipient of the Service Above Self Award, Leyla Boyacigil.

 

Leyla lives the virtues of service and humility as she strives to make the lives of those around her so much better. Whether on stage, in the classroom, in the hall, or outside of school, Leyla exemplifies the characteristics of a kind, caring, empathetic, and giving individual, each and every day.

 

Leyla is an exemplar in the drama community at AVSS. With countless standout performances in our Remembrance Day Assemblies, and AVSSTV live broadcasts, Leyla has proven time and again that she is destined to be a performer. Leyla has taken her skills outside of the school, and can now proudly say that she has a handful of performances as a member of the Grand Theatre’s High School Project under her belt. Most recently, Leyla was cast in Titanic the Musical, and is excited for her upcoming role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, which opens at The Palace theatre in London in March.

 

Leyla is a role model for others as she selflessly gives of her time to volunteer both at the school level and the larger community.  She is always willing to photograph and videotape various school events and will offer her time to assist with various events in the broader community as well.  It appears that Leyla is always there to lend a hand whenever and wherever needed and asks for nothing in return.  There are so many examples of Leyla’s willingness to assist without hesitation or expectation such as her greatly appreciated efforts as an integral member of the AVSS leadership group.

 

Leyla has also been involved with organizing Viking Raid, participating in the Santa Claus parade, conducting morning announcements daily, MC’ing many assemblies, and was selected to attend both a women’s empowerment seminar at Brescia University, as well as the Hugh O’Brien Youth leadership 3 day seminar.

 

Leyla is a leader who consistently strives to inspire others, and is an excellent advocate of Arthur Voaden Secondary School. I know that I have most certainly appreciated her outstanding leadership role with the video announcements, as her talents are endless when it comes to creative content and others look to her for guidance and ideas.

 

I know that I represent the voices of so many others as I congratulate Leyla for all of her incredible accomplishments and demonstration of authentic service above self.  Leyla, you should be so very proud of who you are as a friend, student, performer, volunteer, and overall outstanding individual.  You are a most deserving recipient of this most honourable award.

 

Congratulations!

 

CECI teacher, Tim Gordon, Emily Fedorowski, John Sanders, Suzanne Ferguson

 

Emily Fedorowski is a deserving recipient of the Service Above Self award.  She is a hard working, dedicated young woman, with a drive to be involved and help others.  Emily’s involvement at CECI and around St. Thomas is second to none. She is currently a member of CECI Students’ Council, as co-president, and has been involved with the council her previous three years as social convenor and grade representative.  Through the Students’ Council Emily has given her time organizing and decorating the float for the St. Thomas Santa Claus Parade, planning assemblies and hiring guest speakers for the school community, and facilitating Titan Training Day, an afternoon of fun and games for incoming Grade 9 students to CECI, just to name a few.

 

Emily has been a dedicated and faithful member of her church community volunteering at Peace Williams Camp, working with young children giving them the opportunity to escape the hustle of daily life to enjoy outdoor camp. These children come from underprivileged households wanting a valuable camp experience.   Emily advocacy for youth initiatives is also evident in her involvement with the Canadale kids program.

 

Lastly, Emily is and has been a committed member of the CECI Music Department for her four years of high school.   Some of Emily’s involvement in music at CECI has been through the music council, planning and organizing events for her peers, concert organization,  and as stage manager of CECI’s musicals and plays (Little Shop of Horrors, MacBeth and The Sound of Music).  Emily has been a valuable contributor to the CECI Music mentorship program, guiding younger musicians to be their best.  Emily gave many hours, early mornings and after school working with and assisting new members of the CECI Music Department. Emily Fedorowski, though her volunteer work, has made the people around her better and stronger and is a fitting recipient for this award.

 

Parkside teacher Tina McCaffery, Maddie King, John Sanders and Suzanne Ferguson

 

St Joes teacher Sandra Manfredi, Hannah McIntyre, John Sanders and Suzanne Ferguson

 

4 recipients of the Service above Self Award