Graduation 2021 Program

Grade 12 Graduation Ceremony June 11, 2021

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The York School Graduation Ceremony Friday, June 11, 2021 10:00 AM STATEMENT OF RESPECT O CANADA HEAD OF SCHOOL ADDRESS VALEDICTORY ADDRESS - Aaliya Qassim PRESENTATION OF GRADUATES (group 1) FACULTY FAREWELL (part 1) PRESENTATION OF GRADUATES (group 2) SENIOR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL ADDRESS PRESENTATION OF GRADUATES (group 3) FACULTY FAREWELL (part 2) PRESENTATION OF GRADUATES (group 4) CLOSING REMARKS CLASS OF 2021 FAREWELL VIDEO

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Statement of Respect We gather as one people, members of The York School, respecting our diverse backgrounds and personal journeys to this place. We acknowledge and respect the communities within which we live - our school, the city of Toronto, Province of Ontario and Canada - and the people who have been chosen to govern us.

We acknowledge that the land on which The York School operates is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit. As an international community, we are grateful to have the opportunity to live, learn, work, and play on this land.

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O Canada O Canada!

Our home and native land!

True patriot love in all of us command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free!

From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada Ô Canada! Terre de nos aïeux, Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!

Car ton bras sait porter l’épée, Il sait porter la croix!

Ton histoire est une épopée Des plus brillants exploits.

Et ta valeur, de foi trempée, Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

Performed by Grade 10 Band and Choir

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Class of 2021 Presentation Order Group 1

Group 2

Ms. Aragona Peter Katz Timothy Koukarine Mehmet Ozbek Michael Sava Joseph Schatzker

Mr. Burkett Grace Bellisario Adam Cronin Ruby Grinberg Pippi Samuel

Ms. Balomenos Dijie Wang Mr. Baron Steve Lu Muhammad Muzammil Mohamad Taban Ms. Bauld Maryah Noorani Gabe Ortega Ishi Sklenka Ms. Cunningham Anthony Costakos Seumas Sheridan Jordan Vaarsi

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Ms. Fuss Mahak Safari Mr. Eaton Sara Altaras Rachel Bennett Muhammad Aarish Siddiqui Quin Zavislake Mr. Blair Ali Azim Ethan Hyatt Ms. Edwards Orian Broza Sean Neuman Samy Peeters Vishakha Tiwari

Class of 2021 Presentation Order Group 3

Group 4

Ms. Gardner Ross Samantha Flood Emilia Novillo Suarez Leander Pasparakis William Wu

Mr. Torres Alexandra Lassnig Abbey Malcolm Kareem Mansour

Mr. Hanna Charles Moon Aaliya Qassim Ms. Kerr Avery Moorhead Ben Perko Mr. Krysa James Traynor Ms. Gordeyev Hareth Al-Hellawi Sharika Ekram Lucy Jiang Ryan Kim Mr. Wilson Alice Baker Isaac Rose

Ms. Zhao Jack Chen Dr. Downey Matthew Adelberg Galia Broza Justin Hayes-Lemke Maryam Hodaie Julia Kirsh Megan Morrison Ms. Pak Zachary Kazaz Clara Partrat Mr. Pitblado Xander Hill Ms. Charley Terrence Pai Jordan Hausman Ella Mathison

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Special Awards Founder’s Cup

Our highest award, the Founder’s Cup is given to the student who best exemplifies all that The York School stands for - academic achievement, participation in sports and co-curricular activities, citizenship and leadership.

Dedication Award

The Dedication Award is presented to the student who best exemplifies the virtues of diligence, perseverance, and dedication in their academic life at the school.

Faculty Award

The Faculty Award is given to the graduating students who have distinguished themselves by their overall high academic achievement.

Fellowship Award

The Fellowship Award is given for showing respect, care and concern towards all members of our school community.

Inquiry Award

The Inquiry Award is given to that student who, by critical thought and ceaseless questioning, reveals a deeper appreciation of knowledge and its many dimensions across the academic disciplines.

Leadership Award

The Leadership Award is given to those students who have demonstrated through their actions what it takes to be a leader both in and outside of the classroom.

Spirit Award

The Spirit Award is presented for participation and enthusiasm as well as for encouraging others to become involved in the life of the school.

Jason Hanson Valedictorian Award

In honour of our former Chair of the Board, Jason Hanson, the Valedic

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Special Awards Writer’s Award

The Writer’s Award is presented to the student whose love of the written word has been made manifest in superior written pieces produced for academic assignments and/or wider school audiences.

Debating Award

The Debating Award is given to the student who demonstrates dedication, enthusiasm, and excellence in debating and/or public speaking.

Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award

The Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award honours an exceptional graduating student volunteer who not only completes the number of volunteer hours required to graduate, but who goes above and beyond.

University of Toronto National Book Award

The University of Toronto National Book Award is given to a student who demonstrates superior academic performance, original and creative thought, and exceptional achievement in a broad context. He or she will be an individual who not only excels in academic pursuits but also has an enthusiasm for intellectual exploration and an involvement in the life of their school and community.

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Special Awards Spirit Pin

Spirit Pins recognize those students who have made a large investment in the various activities that the school offers beyond the classroom, thereby accumulating House Points for themselves. Starting in grade 6, students can earn 15 points for participation on an athletic team and up to 40 points per year for participating in a club, committee, student leadership position or production. Students who have 200 points will receive the Bronze. Those with 350 receive the Silver. The Gold is reserved for those who have amassed 500 points. The Platinum is earned by those few who exceed 750 points for their co-curricular involvement.

Excellence Subject Award

Excellence awards are given to the student who achieves the highest final mark in the course for that grade.

Dedication Subject Award

Dedication awards are given to students who demonstrate a remarkable dedication to the subject, and who are distinguished by their willingness to inquire, reflect and/or take risks in their learning within the subject.

Female / Male Athlete of the Year Award

Awarded to the female and male students in Grade 12 who participates fully in TYS athletics - who show athletic leadership, responsibility, sportsmanship ana a competitive spirit, and who demonstrate outstanding athletic ability.

Board of Directors Award

Awarded to a Grade 12 student who has demonstrated enthusiasm, leadership and commitment to the Senior School Athletics programme as an integral part of his or her school life, who is a model of the CISAA Code of Sportsmanship, and who has put forth a consistently strong effort in competition.

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YPA Grad Committee Co-Chair: Jill Burgin Co-Chair: Jackie Sklenka

Cindi Alexander Karen Chu Kelly Dobbin Gillian Hamilton Sussy Kwan-Mansour Alyssa Minsky Christy Moorhead Shabnam Noorani Catrin Novillo-Suarez

Sheila Partrat Saloua Rezgui Cristina Sava Elora Schatzker Azmeh Shahid Steph Vaarsi

Grade 11 Representatives: Stephanie Galloway, Jeanine Sheridan and Daniela Tixi

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CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!