Week 1 - Student of the Week

Downsview Secondary School
Student of the Week
September 25, 2023

Cleric C.

W01_Cleric_C

Downsview, the day has come. It’s time to announce your first Student of the Week for the 2023-2024 school year. Cleric C. of the twelfth grade has earned this honour.

Selecting the first recipient for the year is tricky. Setting a tone of strength, of involvement, of stand-outishness is key. Cleric ticks all the right boxes, and she’s done so before. This is her third Student of the Week Award win.

Let’s hear from her nominators, also known as her fans, starting with Ms Silvana: “Cleric, an exemplary leader, always willing to help, always a mentor to others, always wanting to make a difference at DSS and make it a warm, kind, safe space for all.  Cleric you earned this, you deserve this, and it’s fitting that you kick off this school year's Student of the Week award. Congratulations to you for this well-deserved acknowledgement.”

And, from Ms Cimicata: “Cleric was a co-op student of mine placed as a Teacher Assistant in a middle school.  The grade 6 and 7 students adored Cleric there and she exemplified leadership skills and was a significant role model to her class.  I was very lucky to teach her in my class as she was always eager to learn, kind hearted and always ready to assist me and her peers.”

Hear this, from Ms de Jersey: “Cleric gets it. She reads the room, figures out what’s needed and gets the job done - every time. As a breakfast club volunteer, she was the best.Later in the year, when I saw her dance, I was blown away. Cleric moves from quiet, capable leader to fierce, passionate performer with apparent ease. She’s amazing.”

From Ms Butuza: “I had the pleasure of teaching Cleric last semester for Drama and Dance. Cleric has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent, enthusiasm, kindness, and dedication within the drama and dance classroom. Cleric is extremely talented. Her dedication to perfecting her craft is truly inspiring. Not only is Cleric a remarkable talent, but she is also known for her kindness and willingness to go out of her way to help others.

Her hard work and commitment to her studies are evident in every class. It’s a true pleasure to have Cleric as part of our Arts community. Congratulations Cleric, on this well-deserved recognition as our Student of the Week. Keep shining bright!”

Finally, from Mr Wallace: “Some people mistake quietness for a lack of confidence; in Cleric's case they would be wrong. Some people mistake confidence for arrogance; in Cleric's case, they would be wrong again. Cleric is strong but makes space for others. Intelligence, thoughtfulness, kindness, all these are there, but it is this capacity to make others feel strong and safe in Cleric's presence that is the real superpower. Cleric's voice on Radio Downsview embodies these traits: soothing, clear and trustworthy all at once. Cleric is never showy, but is often at the centre of good things at Downsview.”

We are all the better for having you at the heart, at the centre of Downsview, Cleric. Thank you for all your kind gifts, and congratulations on earning the title: Student of the Week.