June 25th, 2025

With the end of the 2024-25 school year just around the corner, we are recognizing the outstanding secondary students from across the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) for their incredible achievements.

WRDSB students are leaders, academic achievers, community-builders and are the heart of the schools where they learn. We are so proud of every WRDSB student for all they contributed this school year.

View students by school:

Alternative Education

Tianna Frimpong

Tianna excelled in her secondary school courses and took courses in the Dual Credit program. She also helped other students find success and led by example. She consistently set an example of perseverance and strength in the face of adversity. Tianna was awarded her diploma in December 2024 and is now in the PSW program at Conestoga College.

Ray Onek

Ray is recognized for his dedication, resilience, and leadership in the Alternative Education co-op program. He’s on track to graduate through hard work and perseverance. He demonstrates initiative, supports peers and welcomes newcomers, embodying commitment and community spirit.

Kaden Reidl

Kaden’s positive attitude changes the atmosphere in any room. He encourages those around him and is a good example of the positive impact the Alternative Education program can have for students. He encourages his peers and is a positive role model.

Bluevale Collegiate Institute

Shiming He

Shiming’s dedication, maturity, initiative, curiosity and the level of excitement he brings to academics inspires his peers. Shiming is a leader at Bluevale and has been an integral part of the Electric Car Club, the Math Club and the Fed-Prov Club among others. He also won the Waterloo County Secondary School Athletic Association (WCSSAA) Championship for Boys Doubles in tennis, ending as a finalist at Central Western Ontario Secondary Schools Association (CWOSSA) and placed fifth overall at Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA). Shiming is a caring, creative and intelligent young man who is highly respected by both his peers and the staff at Bluevale.

Ryan Xu

Ryan is passionate about academics in all areas of study and engages in expanding his understanding. Beyond the walls of the classroom, Ryan is an athlete competing in cross country, swimming and soccer. Additionally, he is a musician who both performs and directs the annual Many Moods of Music show. He has made his mark in the community as a camp volunteer supporting youth. He is a true mentor to others, demonstrating empathy, open mindedness and general care for others.

Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute

Anna De Sousa

Anna is celebrated for her achievements in academics, athletics and leadership. As Student Council President she has helped to engage the student community, lead change initiatives, and demonstrate her spirit on a daily basis. This fall, Anna will begin a Bachelor of Commerce in Real Estate at the University of Guelph.

Aabjosh Singh

Aabjosh is an International Baccalaureate (IB) graduate. A leader inside and outside the classroom, he is a national-level track athlete and active volunteer, founding Project Astraeus to empower youth in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). He also co-founded the Cameron Engineering Club; organized the first WRDSB Sikh Heritage event; and volunteered with FIRST Robotics and KidsAbility. This fall, Aabjosh will study Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo.

Eastwood Collegiate Institute

Isy Aboagye

Isy is a student in Eastwood’s Integrated Arts Program, triple majoring in Drama, Vocal Music & Music Production. At ECI, she took on several leadership roles, including as a passionate Co-Head of the Black Student Union, rugby team captain, and Co-Prime Minister. Isy continues to inspire those around her and has left a lasting impact on the Eastwood community.

Luna Paolini

Luna is a student in the Integrated Arts Program, majoring in Drama. As co-leader of the Grad Committee, she worked hard to create a memorable year for her class. Luna has been on Student Council all four years, contributed to ASU, and played volleyball for three seasons. Her leadership and impact were recognized through her nomination to be valedictorian.

Elmira District Secondary School

Hudson Jantzi

Hudson is passionate about making a difference and solving challenges using engineering, innovation and his leadership skills. Experiences include a Canadian Patent at age 16 for his chemical-reducing robot; founding a business, and many extracurriculars including serving as the Robotics Team Captain. Previous awards include: FIRST Robotics Canada Shad Scholarship and Gold at the Canada-Wide Science Fair, and he has been awarded the $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship to study Engineering at the University of Toronto.

Anna Srivastava

Anna believes that real change begins when ideas are heard and understood. Throughout secondary school, she shared her voice as a published TEDx speaker and led diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that transformed her community. A provincial DECA medalist and elected Prime Minister at Fed-Prov, she earned the University of Toronto Scholar Award. This fall, she’ll bring her vision and leadership to the University of Toronto, ready to inspire new conversations.

Forest Heights Collegiate Institute

Chitra Shah

Chitra showcases leadership, dedication, and community spirit at Forest Heights Collegiate Institute. Her involvement in the Memory Project; Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools; Trojan Picnic; and math department reflects her compassion and commitment to academic support. As a senior boys’ soccer manager, orientation leader, and DECA participant, she has demonstrated strong teamwork and initiative. She actively contributes beyond the school walls, including serving as a Cherry Festival volunteer and current KW Leos Club executive.

Brian Tram

Brian demonstrates leadership, collaboration, problem-solving and academic skills. He contributes to student council, athletics, tech clubs, and community groups. His work in logistics, UI/UX design, and robotics leadership showcase both technical and organizational strengths, preparing him well for future success.

Galt Collegiate Institute

Isabel Dawdy

Isabel founded GCI’s History Club to celebrate local history and uplift marginalized voices. Through the club, she helped organize impactful events like Orange Shirt Day and Remembrance ceremonies, fostering connection within the school and the wider community. Isabel’s creativity, inclusivity, and leadership have been a valuable contribution to the school community.

Jayden McIntyre

Jayden is one of GCI’s school co-captains; he brings confidence, kindness, and positivity to all he does. He’s actively involved in class, extracurriculars, and creating an inclusive school culture. Jayden builds strong relationships with peers and staff and is a leader within the GCI community.

Glenview Park Secondary School

Madelyn Schneider

Madelyn has been an active part of many school activities, academics and led numerous events. She was an integral part of the soccer and field hockey teams and a manager for girls’ volleyball. Madelyn is pursuing a degree at McMaster University next year.

Grace Van Wijngaarden

Grace demonstrates commitment, positivity, and determination in school and athletics. Her involvement at the school includes school initiatives, events, celebrations and assemblies.

Grand River Collegiate Institute

Olivia Manson

Olivia has taken on leadership roles throughout secondary school. She was part of Student Exec, basketball, rugby, swim, cake decorating, as well as managed the football team. She has shown leadership in academics, athletics and school spirit. Olivia supported various events at GRCI. Outside of school, she worked with the Kidney Foundation, Gluten Free Fest and dedicated numerous hours to the Breslau community and school.

Sydney Shipp

Sydney contributes to her school and community. She was a co-editor of the GRCI yearbook; a member of Student Exec, Environment Club, and the Model United Nations team. She also participated in cross country, track and field, swim, nordic ski, improv team and many drama productions. Outside of school, Sydney demonstrated leadership skills through the Girl Guides organization by running camps, a Terry Fox event and Kub Kar rally.

Huron Heights Secondary School

Logan Bielaski

Logan’s technical expertise, creativity, and initiative supported many school events and projects. His designs, photos, and edits appear in yearbooks, merchandise, videos, and promotional materials. Often working quietly behind the scenes, Logan has used his skills to serve the school in lasting ways.

Nitya Patel

Nitya is a passionate and dedicated student. She supports her peers, challenges ideas respectfully, and embraces feedback to grow. Nitya has greatly enriched the school community and will be pursuing post-secondary education with a focus on engineering.

Jacob Hespeler Secondary School

Roop Goraya

Serving as JHSS’s co-president, Roop created inclusive school events, including Homecoming, Mental Health Week, Winter Market and Relay for Life. She reintroduced our DECA chapter as the president, launched a Period Product Initiative where she secured a $1,000 grant, and volunteered widely. As soccer captain and tutor, she has shown a dedication to school, community, and advocacy at Jacob Hespeler.

Carden Rogers-Hickman

Carden has a passion for service, leadership, and community building, playing a key role as Fundraising Lead for Relay for Life, and planning Semi Formal and Senior Sunset. He has created a positive school culture through many events that he has led. Carden is extremely empathetic and compassionate and has volunteered more than 1,000 hours within the Hespeler community.

Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate Institute and Vocational School

Sean Beckermann

Sean has taken on various leadership roles at KCI, including serving as the KCI Law Club President, a mentor on several Grade 9 overnight Point Pelee trips, and coach of the junior boys’ rugby team. By consistently asking, ”How can I help?”, he has excelled in his leadership class. Sean will be heading to McMaster in the fall to study Leadership and Civic Studies, with a desire to focus on Education.

Isabella Lago

Whether she is planning events for KCI students, for future Grade 9s, or for residents of a retirement community, Isabella gives back to the school and community. Her mentorship recently earned her the coach’s awards for both swimming and track and field. Outside of school she coaches sports and has several ribbons for equestrianism. Next year she will be studying medical sciences at Western University.

Laurel Heights Secondary School

Nathanael Olenewa

We recognize Nathanael for his selfless service, leadership of the tech crew, and performances in school musicals. An onstage actor, vocalist, and outstanding musician, Nathanael has a passion and dedication to the arts, including celebrating other artists in class and within the community. He will be studying at the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts.

Elaine Xiao

Elaine is an advocate in support of body image, mental health, and environmental sustainability. She demonstrates a drive for change and uplifts those around her through inclusive peer engagement and school involvement.

Preston High School

Natalie Mosca

Natalie is committed to academics and community leadership. She participated in the Drama program, culminating in her role as the Drama Council Co-Chair and performances in main stage productions. She is also a House Captain, Science Fair participant, fundraising organizer, and Wellness Team member. Natalie will be attending University of Toronto, studying Life Sciences.

Haniya Nazir

Haniya participated in the Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region. She is an Emerging Leader for Muslim Social Services, a Cambridge Youth Champion and an Outstanding Citizen Nominee. At school, Haniya organized the first Iftar dinner, participated in the STEM Club, the Clothing Closet, and Eco Club among others. Haniya will be attending university in the fall, studying Life Sciences.

Southwood Secondary School

Ashley MacMillan

Ashley is engaged in multiple athletic activities, including field and ice hockey, soccer, ultimate frisbee, and the school triathlon. She also organized Grade Nine Orientation, Grad Breakfast, and Senior Sunrise. As class Salutatorian and WCSSAA Scholarship nominee, Ashley’s leadership extends beyond school, coaching hockey and soccer in the community. Ashley will attend Brock University for Concurrent Physical Education.

Ramzi Khatib

Ramzi founded Southwood’s first ever Computer Science Club, winning both a regional hackathon and triathlon. Outside of school, he’s a Muay Thai instructor and professional fighter, while also mentoring youth. He will be attending the University of Waterloo for Computer Engineering.

Aryan Thakur

Aryan recently excelled in two prestigious science contests hosted by the University of Waterloo. In the Avogadro Contest for Grade 11 Chemistry, Aryan placed first amongst Cambridge schools and ranked in the top 5% of students across Canada. In the Sir Isaac Newton Contest for Grade 12 Physics, Aryan again led the way, placing first at Southwood and ranking in the top 12% globally.

Waterloo Collegiate Institute

Emily Cheng

Emily is a school and community leader and musician. She co-founded Youth Council, which connects students to municipal politicians like the Mayor of Waterloo, and she is the Co-President of her school’s DECA chapter, which prepares students for a business competition. She recently won first place in her DECA event at the international level during a conference with more than 25,000 participants. Emily is an active member of four of her school’s ensembles and she is the section leader of the Chamber Orchestra.

Quinn Plummer

Quinn demonstrates leadership and activism in the areas of justice, equity, and acceptance for all within the WCI and K-W community. As a GSA Student Leader, Quinn facilitates weekly meetings while coordinating annual PRIDE events. Quinn cares deeply about the environment; she is the Eco Club Secretary and a supporter of the school recycling program. Quinn is an active committee member on the Student Advisory for students with disabilities.

Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School

Xin-En Tan

Xin-En is a leader in her classes, teams and clubs, including social justice initiatives and the music council. She is able to organize others to achieve a common goal, such as when she took the initiative to lead a lunch hour drive to clean up the school grounds.

Matthew Tsetsekas

Matthew often volunteers to support other students, whether it is in class, the football team or other leadership initiatives Matthew mentors younger football and soccer players on his team, and encourages other students to participate in school activities.