Downsview Secondary School
Student of the Week
June 9, 2025
Monica L.P. & Gabriela R.P.
Downsview, it’s June 9th, and we are ready to announce our final Students of the Week for the 2024-2025 school year. We honour two amazing grade twelve students:
Monica L.P. and Gabriela R.P. - Both young women will soon graduate.
As always, it is necessary to note that when two students earn this award, each has won on her own. Each recipient is the Student of the Week. Let’s get right to the praise, first from Ms Silvana: “Gabriela, it has been a pleasure to witness your growth and leadership this school year. Your dedication, initiative, and follow-through—especially in helping organize prom—have truly stood out. You consistently showed up, took action, and made a meaningful impact. Your commitment and teamwork did not go unnoticed, and it was an absolute pleasure working alongside you. Wishing you continued success in all your future endeavours!”
Hear this, from Ms Khan: “Join us in celebrating Monica, our amazing Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook! Her creativity and leadership have helped capture the spirit and heart of our school all year long and we couldn't have accomplished this without her. She’s been nothing but tenacious throughout her final year, and has earned her recognition as a dedicated scholar. On top of her academic and extracurricular success, Monica shows true responsibility and heart by caring for her younger brother at home. She’s a role model to many, and we’re so proud to cheer her on as she heads toward graduation. Way to go, Moni!
Congratulations Gabriela, who stole the show as Ms. Darbus in High School Musical and brings that same passion and energy to the soccer field! A true performer and athlete - Gabriela has shown dedication, heart, and talent in everything she does. Watching her shine this year has been a joy, and there’s no doubt she’s heading toward amazing things. It’s been an absolute pleasure being your teacher, Gabi. I'm so proud of you!”
Mr Acosta has this to say: "While I never taught Monica or Gabriela, I have worked with them throughout the year in our yearbook club. I have seen the phenomenal responsibility they took up to ensure that this year's yearbook came out as perfect as could be. Through their blood, sweat, and tears, they laboured through the toughest of challenges while navigating tight deadlines by working long into the night. I am extremely proud of what they have accomplished and I wish them the best in the next chapter of their lives"
And, from Mr Henriques: “Gabriela is a star. Her calm and very kind demeanour has made Gabriela a delight to interact with. Though I have never taught Gabriela, the maturity that Gabriela puts forth is impressive. Gabriela’s acting during the musical was also truly impressive. I wish Gabriela well as she pursues a career in law enforcement.”
Hear this, from Ms Piro: “Monica is a very kind young girl. She performs high when she is focused and asks meaningful questions during class. Monica is a very social person and can easily make friends. I appreciate her for the positive attitude and the efforts to understand what she is learning. I wish her the best in her future studies and it has been a great pleasure having her in my grade 11 and 12 math classes. Monica will do well in any post secondary program she may land in, as she always puts forth a great effort, kindness and positivity.”
Ms Butuza says: “Teaching Monica and Gabriela in my drama classes has been an absolute joy. Both of these students are a joy to have around and consistently bring a fantastic energy to class. They are always respectful and kind, creating a wonderful atmosphere for everyone. Plus, they're always willing to take risks and participate, which is so important in our drama community!
I've just been so proud to watch their talents grow. Gabriela truly shined on stage in a big role during High School Musical and Monica's dedication and artistry always made our class projects and performances so entertaining and exciting. Both of these ladies are so talented, and I really hope they keep the arts in their lives forever. I'm so incredibly proud of all their successes, and I'm really going to miss them as they head off to their next adventure. I can't wait to see all the amazing things they'll achieve!”
And, from Ms D’Andrea: “Gabriela Pacheco Ramirez...get this girl's autograph now before she leaves us and takes on the world with her talent. Seriously, I am blown away by Gaby's abilities in drama. Her recent performance in High School Musical Jr. demonstrated her commitment, performance quality and ease as a performer on stage. I have watched her grow from a more hesitant artist, to someone who owns her space on stage and embodies the characters that she plays. I was truly entertained by her at every rehearsal and immensely proud at the show. Gabriela has a maturity and kindness that I appreciate so much. I have told her this before, but I'll say it again, get an agent, work hard, spread your wings and I believe in you! Congrats on your win Gabriela; I will miss you very much next year!”
And from Mr Hum: “I’ve had the privilege of teaching both Gabby and Monica throughout their high school careers. They’ve also been my managers for the boys soccer program the last several years as well. Through the years, I’ve seen them grow from quiet, timid grade 9’s to confident, strong leaders in their final years at Downsview. If you ask any of the boys soccer players about their managers, they would say both Gabby and Monica are tough. On the training grounds and in games, Gabby and Monica were never too shy to rip into any player not meeting the team's expectations. Having the two of them toughen up the boys was not only helpful to me as a coach but a pleasure to watch. Gabby and Monica, you both have so much potential. The two of you have shown us how tough and strong you are here at Downsview. Now go out there in the real world and show us what you’ve got!”
Gabriela, Monica, as you leave Downsview in your rear-view, know that this is a changed place because of your efforts. Thank you both, and congratulations again on your win Monica, and your win, Gabriela, as our final Students of the Week.