This year, for the first time, awards for Senior School co-curricular programs in the arts, athletics, service learning and sustainability were presented in a joint ceremony, streamed virtually on Wednesday, May 19th. The awards were a reminder that, even during this unprecedented year which saw some or all students learning online at times, our students and co-curricular leaders showed tremendous resiliency and creativity in hosting these programs.
Arts
The year in the arts featured many highlights, including virtual productions of the fall and winter plays, the first-ever online debating competition for independent schools, and culminating in the recent Arts Week presentation that celebrated music, theatre, dance, film and visual arts at the School. Eight students were recognized with Commendation awards, while 16 students earned Excellence awards for their arts involvements during 2020-2021. As well, Grade 12 graduates were acknowledged for their contributions specifically to the music program, Johnson Ringers and Chapel Choir.
Distinction, which represents a superior level of dedication and achievement in the arts, went to: Sophia Bonham-Carter, Zoe Fingas, Frances Harvey, Loretta Hu, Lily Lai, Thomas McLean, Kyle Munns, Alysia Wilson and Megan Zammit. And two standalone awards were presented on Wednesday: the Stevenson Award for Acting went to Grade 12 student Quinlyn Bright, who performed in both plays this year; and the Warner Dance Trophy was presented to Grade 12 student Waverley DiNova, captain of the Dance Troupe.
Click here for the full list of Arts Awards recipients.
Athletics
The inability to compete against other schools in sports due to COVID-19 restrictions did not stop our student-athletes from showing their commitment to skill development and physical fitness this year. For the spring term, a total of 26 Grade 11 students and 21 Grade 12 students earned Bigside ties, recognizing an athlete’s third term of involvement at the Bigside level.
Colours awards were also announced at Wednesday’s presentation, with 18 students achieving this honour. Colours are earned by athletes in Grade 11 or 12 who have participated on at least four Bigside teams and who have displayed respect and a commitment to team goals.
Click here for the full list of Athletics Awards recipients.
Service Learning
Our students continue to pour their hearts into the School’s service learning programs, with this year's awards recipients amassing nearly 8,500 cumulative hours of service. While the service mandate at TCS extends beyond the Ontario curriculum expectation of 40 hours, 67 students earned at least double that standard, with 32 Bronze (80+ hours of service) and 23 Silver (120+ hours) awards presented, as well as six Gold or Distinction (200+ hours) awards, including: first-time recipients Zoe Fingas, Kyle Munns and Kaylie Tsang; and repeat recipients Aya Al-Ali, Grace Lu and Aishwarya Rajesh Krishnan.
Students holding stewardships, in some cases in multiple areas at the School, were recognized for their commitment, with 13 students earning their steward tie for the first time, and five students recognized as repeat recipients. And our peer mentors for each Senior School house were also honoured.
The service learning portion of the ceremony also included two special awards: the Armour Memorial Prize for yearbook editor went to Sam Bliemel; and the Pat Moss Society Award, which signifies a student who embodies the mission of “youth helping youth,” was presented to Natasha Pinto.
Click here for the full list of Service Learning Awards recipients.
Sustainability
Whether learning on-campus or remotely, sustainability and doing “more good” for the environment remained a core principle for the TCS community. In presenting this year’s sustainability awards, TCS Environmental Coordinator Alison Elliott noted, “Environmental sustainability at TCS is seen in our collective awareness and action towards a ‘greener’ future. A future where the Earth is restored, climate change is stopped, and all life on the land and in the water that we depend on is healthy.” Sustainability awards recognize contributions such as being a house green rep, TEAC leader or sustainability steward. For one year of service, 16 students earned sustainability ties. For two years of service, five students earned sustainability pins: Aya Al-Ali, Jade Barnard, Sarah Deleeuw, Aaliyah Garland and Karina Lee.
Ms. Elliott was also pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the Green Cup Challenge, a year-long initiative through which Senior School houses can earn points for green initiatives. This year’s top boarding and day house, respectively, were Scott House (293 points) and Wright House (239 points). Congratulations!
Click here for the full list of Sustainability Awards recipients.
