Downsview Secondary School
Student of the Week
March 17, 2025
Kaliyah J-S.
Downsview, for the week of March 17th, your Student of the Week is Kaliyah J-S.
Kaliyah is in the twelfth grade, and she will graduate soon.
Kaliyah’s name has been listed for a while as a potential Student of the Week. This happens with students who are perhaps not making a big splash, but are consistently reliable, consistently excellent. Let’s hear from her nominators. First, from Ms de Jersey: “Organized, thoughtful, great attention to detail, driven, self-reliant, observant, a supporter of her friends, quiet leadership - these words and phrases come to mind when I think of Kaliyah. She does not seek recognition; she just gets things done. I greatly appreciate her assistance at lunch service, and in general. If Kaliyah is in your corner, you are lucky.”
Hear this, from Ms Persaud: “I've had the privilege to teach Kaliyah in multiple classes beginning in grade 9. I'm proud to have witnessed Kaliyah's growth both academically and socially. She is hardworking and knows what she wants out of life. Although she's graduating this year and I'll be sad to see her go, I know she will do great things! Congratulations Kaliyah!”
From Mr Girdler: “Kaliyah served as a manager for this year's varsity girls’ basketball team. She was responsible, enthusiastic and showed great initiative in that role all while taking care of her academics. She is a leader at our school and will be dearly missed next year. Well done, Kaliyah!”
Mr Henriques adds: “Kaliyah is a superstar. Throughout Kaliyah’s time at Downsview, Kaliyah has demonstrated a keen leadership ability and a strong sense of school spirit. Kaliyah served as one of basketball managers the last few years and could be trusted to do a remarkable job. Truly a shining star at Downsview.”
And, from Ms Silvana: “Kaliyah! Congrats on this amazing recognition - you deserve this! Kaliyah, you are always passionate in what you do! You advocate for yourself and others and always support DSS initiatives through your contributions to the school's clubs and sports teams. Keep shining your light and leadership in making Downsview the amazing school we are. Congrats again!”
And Ms Reid, no longer here in person, made sure to add her voice, with this: “Kaliyah is a beautiful example of quiet leadership and unwavering determination. With a graceful posture that exudes confidence and humility, she deeply inspires others not only through her words, but her actions. She is a true example of a go-getter who is willing to move beyond her comfort zone to serve her peers and the greater community. I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing this in our Africentric Leadership class where Kaliyah worked diligently with one of her closest classmates to create a powerful DAP (acronym for Dignity and Pride that Black soldiers developed during their service in the Vietnam war) that symbolizes strength, unity, and the importance of community. Not surprisingly, her DAP won the prize.
Heartiest congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Kaliyah! Keep shining and solidly believe that YOU WILL WIN.”
Kaliyah, thank you for the gifts you bring to Downsview Secondary School. We hope that your final months at Downsview are fabulous, and we congratulate you, once again, on earning the title: Student of the Week.