Remembering Dean In his time at Crescent, Dean accumulated 195 house points and wore his Hudson House colours with pride. He lived each day at Crescent to the fullest and won several significant awards. In grade 4 he won a Citizenship Award and he was the MVP of U-10 B Soccer. In grade 5, he won the Spirit Award and was the Coach’s Choice Award of the U-11 Soccer team. In grade 6, he was awarded a Proficiency Award for being one of the top three students academically and the Coach’s Choice Award for the Most Inspirational Player of the U-12 Basketball team.
N March 10, Dean Voutsas, a grade 7 student, passed away after a long, noble and courageous battle with cancer. In every aspect of his life at Crescent, Dean personified the mission and values of the School and his loss has significantly touched the whole community.
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Dean, and his brother Giorge, came to Crescent in the same year. Dean began grade 4 with Miss Fiorino and Giorge started in grade 5 with Mr. Wotherspoon. Immediately, the boys embraced every opportunity the School had to offer: after school clubs, choir, soccer and basketball, while maintaining excellent grades in their academic classes. Dean’s teachers and peers soon recognized that he was mature and capable beyond his years and that he could be called upon to support the learning in the classroom at any time. One of Dean’s many gifts to us was his ability to offer his insightful perspective on any situation or discussion.
Dean receiving U-11 Soccer Coach’s Choice Award, spring 2007
Dean as a member of the choir
Penny Parker (S), Dean and Sylvia Duckworth (S) after the head shaving for Terry Fox event in fall 2007
Dean with members of the U-13 soccer team at the CAIS National Tournament in fall 2008
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The Crescent community was devastated to learn of Dean’s illness in the summer of 2007. At the Terry Fox run that fall, the School organized a head shaving fund raiser in support of Dean. At the closing assembly of the school year, Dean spoke to the entire School and shared that he had cancer and how deeply he appreciated everything that everyone had done to support cancer research. Dean’s words at that assembly deeply touched everyone. Crescent was important to Dean. In his illness, he continued to attend classes, watch soccer games, and participate at the highest level he could muster. Crescent was his home away from home. When repeatedly asked how he was doing, he would always reply stoically – and generally with a smile on his face – “Pretty good, thanks.” Dean was many things. He was an exceptional student, athlete and musician. From the basketball court or soccer field to the choir, Dean always did his best. On many occasions, the Crescent community was inspired by his innate grace and wisdom as a public speaker. Dean was a devoted son, brother and a caring friend. His smile was heartfelt and genuine, beginning in his heart and shining out through his eyes. He exhibited tremendous courage in his fight with cancer and we will miss him very much. Q