York Region District School Board secondary school students have continued their proud tradition of exemplary work in academic competitions at the national level.
The 2026 University of Toronto National Biology Competition results were recently released with multiple YRDSB students and schools ranking among the best in the country. The University of Toronto describes the competition as “providing secondary school students with the opportunity to test their knowledge and understanding of biology, since 1995”.
Over 2000 contestants from over 170 schools across Canada participated in the competition, along with 651 international contestants from 56 institutions across the rest of the world.
YRDSB students Sanika Laiba (Markville Secondary School) and Sophia Akhbari (Alexander Mackenzie High School) were among five students who tied for fifth place on the Canadian Honour Roll, with Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School (second) and Alexander Mackenzie High School (fifth) appearing on the top five Canadian schools list.
The 2026 competition saw an increase of students from YRDSB landing on the top five across the country, as a single student from Markville Secondary School placed fourth in 2025. There was also an increase of schools from YRDSB placing in the top 15 schools, as the highest placing YRDSB school in 2025 was Markville Secondary School, which placed 13th.
“This is an incredible accomplishment for our students and staff!” said Alexander Mackenzie High School Principal Aline Daniel. “To be recognized among the top schools in Canada in the University of Toronto National Biology Competition is a testament to the curiosity, perseverance, and academic excellence that our students demonstrate every day. We are thrilled by this achievement and immensely proud of everyone who contributed to this success. Congratulations to all involved on this outstanding result and for representing AMHS with such distinction.”
“This is a remarkable accomplishment showcasing the dedication, curiosity, and excellence of our students, supported by a strong community of educators who foster a love of learning every day!” said Alexander Mackenzie High School Science Teacher Jeffrey Yeung.
For more information, please visit the University of Toronto website.