Week 7 - Student of the Week

Downsview Secondary School
Student of the Week
November 4, 2024

Tracy B. 

W07_Tracy_B

Downsview, for the week of November 4th, your Student of the Week is Tracy B.
Tracy is in the tenth grade at Downsview.

Let’s get right to the praise for this exceptional young woman, starting with this, from Mr Phillips: “Though I've never taught her, I know Tracy is an excellent candidate for Student of the Week. She has been involved in a number of groups that I've been involved with in the school including Robotics and Tools of possibility. She is extremely reliable and responsible. I also like her lighthearted approach to the groups. Always quick with a joke or a chuckle for anyone who shares the same wit. This is not to say that Tracy doesn't know how to take things seriously. When it comes time to finish something she is in there like a dirty shirt lending a hand until the task is done. She is the perfect balance of fun and seriousness! Congrats to you Tracy on Student of the Week!”

Hear this, from Dr Syal: “I have had the pleasure of teaching Tracy for the last two years.  She is a pleasant and polite student who always comes to class prepared to learn.  She is also part of the Robotics Team.  She helped the team by organizing tools.  She can be depended on to find missing parts. The Downsview family is blessed to have a student like Tracy.”

From Mr Henriques: “Tracy is an exemplary student and was a pleasure to teach in Phys Ed last year. Tracy’s kind nature and compassion for others was always on display. When push comes to shove you always know you’re getting Tracy’s very best effort. A very bright future is ahead.”

And Mr Kindred writes: “I recently consulted the Merriam-Webster dictionary and was dismayed to find that when I looked up the term: ‘Tracy B.’  there was nary an entry to be found. This disturbed me immensely. If I had my druthers, I would hastily add Tracy to their 2025 edition. 

Tracy, by my definition, means: ‘greatness by being oneself’ because this is exactly what Tracy exemplifies. The purpose of these Student of the Week callouts is to highlight exemplary students who are making a splash for not only their stellar academic performance, but for their contributions to the school community at large. Tracy does all these things–she is a serious student, as well as a founding member and cornerstone to several clubs at the school– but she does so much more… 

For starters, my day immediately becomes brighter by simply exchanging our requisite salutation in the hallway. It's always the same: Directly behind me, I will hear Tracy's voice (in an adorable attempt at a British accent) enthusiastically exclaiming: Mr. Kindro! to which I will respond with air piano fingers and a shared impromptu dance party. Last year, as her grade nine teacher, Tracy asked if I had ever tried blue cheese and if I would be so kind as to bring her some. It was at that precise moment that I knew I was in the presence of someone very special. 

Tracy’s heart and kindness are as wide and as far reaching as her curiosity and willingness to try new things. In addition to our banter, she is always introducing me to a new member of her merry band of stuffed animal consorts, chief among them: 'pumpkin duck'. I am always happy to see Tracy and will often drop everything I am doing (or supposed to do) just to briefly bask in her lightness. Congratulations Tracy, I owe you a modest charcuterie board featuring some Roaring 40’s Blue atop a low sodium saltine. You bring the seltzer, I’ll take care of the rest.”

Tracy, you heard it here - you are a vital and shining part of the fabric that is Downsview. The story of Tracy B., Downsview student continues, and we are better for this. Congratulations again, Tracy, on earning the title Student of the Week.