This year’s recipients have all recognized the power of community in finding the strength and wisdom to face what life has thrown at them; this recognition has turned them into givers of support; they have become community builders in ways large and small.
Antonietta Gutierrez, Etobicoke School of the Arts
Attending University of Waterloo, Sociology and Social Development Studies
Antonietta has been finding her strength as she has found her voice. As a musician, a mental health advocate, a director, and as a spoken word artist, she has learned to shed her doubts and trust her passion. Her voice is in the service of others, in honouring the fight for women and girls to have their rightful place in this world, in honouring her mother’s journey from Cambodian genocide, or her father’s journey to build a better life, away from the civil war in El Salvador. Antonietta’s world was shaken to the core when her father was taken from her by cancer when she was 12. How to respond? First, by accepting help, and then by giving back as a volunteer to other youth who have shared terrible loss. Antonietta’s response to tragedy and injustice strengthens us all.
Daiem Mohammad, Jarvis CI
Attending University of Ottawa, History
Daiem, a Youth Editor at University of Toronto’s In:cite journal, wants to become a history teacher, partly because he loves history, but mostly so he can return to other youth the mentorship he has received from his teachers. Daiem knows the dangers of underestimating one’s abilities, or not even recognizing them at all. How do you know what gifts you have might be of value to others? It was a poem he posted on the expectations of masculinity that showed him the power of sharing vulnerability. His words brought comfort to others at his school who he didn’t even know. Daiem works hard for his hard-working parents, immigrants from Bangladesh, but also for those in Regent Park who were taken too early and didn’t get the chance to.
Doga Koroglu, Downsview SS
Attending Ryerson University, Social Work
Doga knows each of us has the choice to give up. She almost made that choice herself when she was in the midst of her gruelling cancer treatment. She didn’t. She didn’t because of the strength and support of her parents, but also the love and dedication of the social workers who were there on her journey. She knows that fighting for life is sometimes not enough and she keeps the memory of her friends who died in her heart. She has found her own strength, taking the risk to share her story with other young people who are embarking on cancer treatment. But cancer doesn’t define Doga; she was always empathetic and kind and observant. When she and her family moved from Turkey, just before her diagnosis, Canada gained.
Laurel Gain, Bloor CI
Attending University of Toronto, Computer Engineering
Laurel is an academically high-achieving student and community leader, providing leadership to youth in her community and her school. She is President of the Warden Hilltop Community Centre Youth Council and the founder of the ‘Girls in STEM’ club at her school. Both of these roles arose out of her own experience of isolation, experiences she did not want for others. She and her family continue to face innumerable challenges associated with immigration, in this case, Bangladesh, but Laurel has found the resilience and drive to not let anything hold her back. She is dedicated to creating safe spaces for those who are marginalized and challenging existing spaces to be welcoming to all.
Tenisha Noel, Oakwood CI
Attending University of Guelph- Humber, Justice Studies
When Tenisha was young, she may not have known that she was going to become a social justice activist, but when the time came, she would take her experience and enable her and her peers to find their voice. No one is born into this world knowing about racism, but life has a way of letting you know. In grade five a teacher said to her: “You speak and articulate your voice very well for someone of your kind.” Initial confusion led to knowledge and, in recent years, to action. Action includes calling out injustice and celebrating Black lives, but it also means skill development, emotional support and organization. As Tenisha notes wisely: “To be a real leader you have to set goals and not be afraid to take action. Goals are portrayed as if you're taking your last breath, but it’s your next breath that’s vital.”
Trishanna Williams, Westview Centennial SS
Attending University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce
Trishanna says, “In my community, it isn’t often for students to have the courage to fulfill their dreams. However, my dream is to show this community that dreams are possible.” Honour roll every year, math tutor; career goal: professional accountant. What picture do you have in your head? How about a young woman of colour from Jane-Finch? Trishanna has always been turning expectations on their head, for herself, but for others too. She has fought her own doubts and has used what she has learned from her own experience to help others transform their path. The future can be frightening; your dreams about the future can seem unattainable, but Trishanna shows us that when someone walks beside you good things can happen.
