Downsview, for the week of May 14th, it is a great pleasure to announce two students of the week. Both are in the twelfth grade and they are James E. and Julia N.
Both James and Julia caught the attention of the Student of the Week Awards Committee when they received Gold medals in the TDSB North West competitions. Much has happened since that first competition.
The Ontario Technical Skills competition is massive, with students from all over the province showing their skills in different areas. Julia competed in the field of photography against thirty-eight others, and, as Ms Prinn says, “kicked butt”, bringing home a fourth place medal. Ms Volkening notes that Julia is a “creative and skilled photographer. I am very proud of her fourth place finish in photography.” Ms Prinn adds these words about Julia: “Julia is an amazing, creative person who promises to have a fantastic future in the arts. She received first place, a gold medal, in the Toronto competition for Photography and came in 4th out of 39 contestants in Photography for all of Ontario. Her images blew everyone else away. Her talents can not be taught. She has a natural gift for catching exciting, interesting moments through photography and in her paintings. It is a pleasure to have known Julia at Downsview as I will be able to say 'I knew her when', when she becomes a famous, sought-after artist.”
James competed in the Prepared Speech category, and according to Ms Volkening, he is “an inspiration to our students. His determination along with his excellent oration skills earned him a much-deserved gold medal at OTSC. He is a polite, mature, and confident individual who, when given the opportunity, shows his wonderful talent. I am so proud of his achievement and wish him all the best in Edmonton.” Ms Prinn continues the praise: “James is a charismatic outgoing individual who can do anything he sets his mind to. The Friday before the competition in Kitchener, Waterloo, James had just finished his speech. It was interesting, thought-provoking, creative and memorable. I told him if he could memorize it he would be going to the Canada Skills Competition in Edmonton - and he did and is. In fact his speech is so powerful I really won't be surprised if James goes all the way to Germany for the world finals in July. When he says he's is going to do something, he does, and he does it well. Keep up the great work James. I look forward to seeing what you create in the future with your talents in media arts and public speaking.”
James and Julia, you remind us of what we all need to remember: talent that is stored, kept in a cupboard or sits inactive, as mere potential, is not enough. You both put your talents to work , and better still, you shared your art with others. Thank you. Congratulations to you both for your wins as Students of the Week.
Back to Student of the Week list