The 2026 Cele​brating Student Success students and nominators are:

Kabilan Tharsan

Kabilan excels in music and art, fully integrating into both programs while building strong confidence and peer relationships. He demonstrated leadership during Autism Acceptance Month by delivering daily announcements, introducing guest speakers, and designing merchandise for a school fundraiser. Kabilan is deeply involved in school life-participating in the Gardening Club, spirit assemblies and The Little Mermaid musical-where he memorized not only his own lines but those of others and earned an additional role.

Rachel Lau

Rachel founded and leads the Rising Minds entrepreneurship club, teaching students in Grades 4-8 about marketing, budgeting and product development. She brings real-world experience from operating her own lip gloss and scented-oil business at local farmers’ markets. Rachel independently manages large group sessions and successfully project‑managed a full schoolwide marketplace event. Her leadership has raised more than $2,000 for SickKids Hospital over two years.

Osawaru (Roy) Omo‑Obas

Roy is a committed mentor, supporting young athletes and tutoring peers in math. He demonstrates leadership through the Black Student Union and co‑organizing the regional Black Students’ Conference. His initiative connected YRDSB with a keynote speaker via his University of Toronto network. With over 70 volunteer hours across Ontario and South Africa, he exemplifies global citizenship while pursuing interests in football, Information Management Technology.

Sebastian Tse

Sebastian is the SAC President, leading inclusive community-building activities and monthly meetings. He co‑founded and serves as lead engineer of the Robotics Team, helping launch the school’s STEAM program. As President and Show Manager of Tech Crew, he mentors new members and strengthens the program’s culture. With 176+ volunteer hours, participation in Model UN, athletics, Breakfast Club and Social Impact Club, he is recognized as a quiet yet highly respected leader.

Eunice Choe

Eunice mentors younger students in chess and represented her school in the Y4MA Intermediate Math Olympics for two consecutive years. She is the youngest cellist in the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra and serves as Assistant Principal in the Canadian Youth Chamber Orchestra. Eunice also volunteers as a performer through her church, demonstrating responsibility, confidence and compassion.

Rehan Surani

Rehan is a Student Council leader who strengthens student voice and engagement as both Grade Representative and Outreach Director. As Executive Director of the Muslim Students’ Association, he promotes inclusivity and belonging. He balances academic excellence with AAA hockey participation and contributes to equity in sport through related volunteer initiatives. Rehan also mentors youth within the Ismaili community and participated in Global Encounters Kenya, demonstrating global citizenship and service.

Christoffer Li

Christoffer has contributed over 350 community hours, showing exceptional dedication and initiative. He volunteers monthly in an ESL A class, supporting multilingual learners both academically and socially. Through Best Buddies and pen‑pal programs, he builds meaningful connections with students in the Developmentally Delayed Community Class. He also leads multiple clubs, including the East Asian Student Association, Chinese Chess Club and Geography Club, while supporting school events as a student ambassador and AV Club mentor.

Yiming Chen

Yiming is a leader in environmental advocacy through her work with Green Inc, where she leads workshops, outreach events and science projects. She helped plan and facilitate multiple events, including “The Wonderful World of Wetland” summit, the Southern Ontario Orchid Show outreach, EcoFair participation and wetland restoration initiatives. Yiming has presented at Queen’s Park with the Ontario Nature Youth Council and is currently organizing a nature art auction for species‑at‑risk awareness. She also contributes to school well‑being through choir leadership, SLAM, GSA leadership, chemistry lab support and weight room mentorship.

Ritchie Davis

Ritchie has demonstrated remarkable emotional growth that has enabled strong academic progress. He has overcome learning gaps and now approaches academic challenges with confidence. His social maturity continues to strengthen, reflected in the positive relationships he maintains with peers and staff. Ritchie embodies the school’s “culture of care” through resilience, self‑advocacy, and personal transformation.

Nolan Young

Nolan excels academically, athletically and artistically, serving as a role model across school activities. He co‑coaches younger students and consistently supports marginalized peers. A talented musician, he performs at school events and participates in chess, sports and numerous extracurricular programs. As a lunch monitor, he demonstrates empathy and respectful leadership, contributing significantly to school community life.

Jason Tang

Jason is an accomplished Student Council President who leads major events, co‑founded the school’s robotics team and competes in VEX V5 robotics. Jason is a two‑time Waterloo math contest school champion and active DECA participant. He is also a provincially ranked badminton athlete, club MVP and serves as a badminton coach and mentor through community programs such as the Immigrant Youth Centre.

Lakshmi Sriram

Lakshmi is actively involved in school initiatives, including the school leadership program (ILED), mentorship programs, Drama Club and Musical Theatre. They mentor younger students in technical theatre skills, contributing to strong performing arts programming. Beyond school, Lakshmi competes in jiu‑jitsu, demonstrating focus, discipline, and resilience. Their co‑op work in a medical centre and work with Big Brothers, Big Sisters reflects a commitment to community health and care.

Madeline Andrews

Madeline serves as Head of Student Council and has been a class representative four times. Madeline contributes to numerous groups—including JEDI Club, Yearbook, Announcements and Youth Space. She also leads environmental initiatives through ECO Club and provides system‑level student voice by developing a student survey for the Superintendent and presenting at Parent Council.

Benjamin Akbary

Benjamin participates in athletics, including volleyball and hockey, and performs as the bassist in the school’s Rock Band. He leads initiatives such as the Daily Bread Food Bank challenge and public service announcement development. He took a leadership role in researching food insecurity, developing a daily budget and exploring possible solutions. Benjamin consistently advocates for food security and civic engagement while fostering belonging among his peers.

Naval Syed

Naval excels in the Intensive Support program and thrives in a mainstream Grade 11 developmental psychology course. She actively participates in complex coursework and often leads discussions. Naval models inclusion and belonging by supporting peers who feel isolated. She also wrote and presented a storybook, Being Different is Okay, promoting kindness and anti‑bullying.

Lakshmi Singkh

As a Blind learner, Lakshmi has demonstrated strong self‑advocacy by proactively planning for guide-dog accessibility and independence. After transitioning from W. Ross Macdonald School to YRDSB in Grade 11, she has continued to excel academically and socially and has been accepted into York University’s undergraduate law program. Lakshmi is committed to community service, volunteering in hospitals and senior homes while fostering inclusive relationships with students and staff.