Andrea Wang
University of Toronto Schools
Investors Group Academics Award
Andrea Wang was born in China and immigrated to Canada at age six. She speaks Mandarin, Shanghainese, Cantonese and French. Andrea graduated from the University of Toronto Schools with an average of mid-90s through high school. She has distinguished herself with many awards, including the Dr. T.M. Porter Memorial Scholarship for Scholastic Achievement. Her mathematical achievements have earned her recognition in the American Junior High School Mathematics Examination, the Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge and a University of Waterloo Mathematics Competition.
Although Andrea was admitted to Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cornell University, University of Toronto and Queens University, she is currently in first year at Princeton University. In her spare time Andrea is a piano and music theory instructor and a volunteer at Ryerson University, a women’s aid group and a youth volunteer centre.
Nicola Vescio
Central Technical School
Athletic Award
Nicola Vescio is in his final year at Central Technical High School where his love of sports put him into an advocacy role for the school’s senior football team. Last year, the teacher-coaches withdrew from any extracurricular activities. With Nick’s exceptional athletic gift and natural leadership ability, Nick gained the confidence of his peers, the staff and the Parent’s Council in his efforts to maintain a football team.
Nick has been active in football, track & field and rugby. He was the Toronto Secondary School Midget Discus Champ in 1996, Junior Champ in 1998 and Senior Champ in 1999. In 1998, he was on the Overall Boys Track and Field Championship Team. Nick has been the captain of the Junior and Senior Football teams. He was voted as “Lineman of the Year” and City All-Star in 1996.
Patrick Lam
St. Michael’s Choir School
Toronto Mandarin Lions Club Arts Award
Patrick is an accomplished musician who has completed his ARCT in piano performance at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Maintaining an “A” on all daily tests, his enthusiasm scores between 95 to 100%. He has been a music theory assistant who grades student tests and exams.
In addition to being in the top 5 percentile at the St. Michael’s Choir School, Patrick plays the organ and sings in a choir for Vision TV. He has received many prestigious awards and scholarships, including the highest mark in Ontario for both Grade 8 and Grade 9 organ at the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Harold L. Armstrong scholarship. He is currently in Grade 10 organ.
Patrick aspires to be an organist at a local parish where he can serve his community and share his love of music with others.
Wei-Jia Zhou
Harbord C.I.
TD Canada Trust Community Services Award
Wei-Jia Zhou has embraced volunteerism as an integral part of her life. It is her passion because she believes strongly in assisting those in need. Through the Youth Action Network, Wei-Jia developed her leadership and journalism skills. As a member of the Toronto Youth Cabinet, she liaised with City Councillors on various youth initiatives, like the Youth Violence Prevention programs and the Homelessness World Group. She has been a volunteer at the King Edward P.S., the Women’s College Hospital and Scadding Court Community Centre.
Wei-Jia is currently an OAC student at Harbord C.I. where she is the coordinator of the Environment Club and the Vice-President of the Girls’ Athletic Association. Awards for her community achievement include the 2001 United Way Chinese Youth Achievement Award, the Doctor’s Hospital Award and the Bank of Montreal “Possibilities Youth Internship Scholarship.”