OCDSB Students Recognized with RBC Spirit of the Capital Youth Awards

OCDSB Students Recognized with RBC Spirit of the Capital Youth Awards
Posted on 07/08/2021
OCDSB Students Recognized with RBC Spirit of the Capital Youth Awards

Every year, the RBC Spirit of the Capital Youth Awards acknowledge and feature the diverse ways young people are shaping their communities across our city. These awards, presented by RBC and hosted by Youth Ottawa, celebrate youth who are turning awareness into action and inspiring others to become agents of change. 


This year, seven recipients from the OCDSB have been recognized with Spirit Awards! Below, we’ve shared a little bit about each recipient’s achievements. Visit the Youth Ottawa website to read more about these outstanding 2021 award recipeints!

Academic Perseverance Award

 Byron McDonaldByron McDonald, Richard Pfaff Alternate Program, has faced many challenges and obstacles head-on. He is a leader at his school, consistently demonstrating nothing other than positive attitudes and academic diligence. He has been accepted into Carleton University for Computer Science. He developed a passion for developing modules for computer games. He would like to expand this learning outside the gaming world as he believes that these skills canhave a meaningful benefit for others.

Madison WhiteMadison White, Cairine Wilson Secondary School, has overcome many challenges with health and learning from a young age. She often had to make up work or work at home to avoid falling behind, in addition to working harder to achieve success in school. Madison is graduating with excellent marks, receiving offers from both Ottawa and Carleton Universities. She also inspires others through her volunteer work with the Make a Wish Foundation.


Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award

Danial GheiasvandDanial Gheiasvand, Glebe Collegiate Institute, applies himself to strive for excellence in promoting diversity and inclusion in our community. Danial developed road navigator algorithms for essential vehicles in case of natural disasters, finishing 5th at the World Robocup of Nagoya, Japan, challenging other University students while he was in high school. He spends his time volunteering at the Ottawa Community Immigration Services, assisting those who encounter linguistic and cultural barriers.

Anish GoelAnish Goel, Lisgar Collegiate Institute, has used his volunteering experience and interest in science to create groundbreaking ideas in neuroscience. He has developed numerous proposals and has worked with faculty members from many institutions to combat these neurological conditions and understand the brain. Anish also shares his passion for science and volunteering with other youth through his tutoring program, inspiring students to make a positive difference.

Take a Stand Award

Daniel BersyniowDaniel Bersyniow, Sir Robert Borden High School, created The Star of Life Project with over 150 youth members worldwide. The group’s accomplishments include their United Nations Associations in Canada vaccination campaign, their mental health program, and their recent triumph in raising over 15,000 masks for Northern Indigenous schools and communities. Daniel also started an inclusivity club called Best Buddies and The Wishing Star Project to support students at his school with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down syndrome.

Amatur Raheem Salam-AladaAmatur Raheem Salam-Alada, South Carleton High School, started the school’s first-ever diversity club, Appreciation of Diversity. This club gives BIPOC students a place to share their stories, be proud of who they are, and make a noticeable difference in students’ self-esteem and confidence. Amatur is also a leading member of the student government and the school’s Black History Month activities – once leading a school-wide assembly – and is a strong student academically.


Strength through Diversity Award

The Virtual VoiceThe Virtual Voice team at OCV Secondary is a dedicated group of high school student volunteers who established an online student newspaper that aims to inform and entertain the community, magnify student voices, and inspire students to action, one story at a time. Over the past year, they have released ten issues with articles and interviews on topics including equity, anti-racism, Indigenous culture, accessibility, the environment, and much more. Read more about their accomplishments!


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