The school board is pleased to present the Citizenship Award to Alyvia Mortensen, a Grade 7 student at R.F. Staples Secondary School, in recognition of the positive contributions she makes to her school and community.

Alyvia understands that leadership isn’t always about being the loudest person in the room – it’s about being the person everyone can count on.  Whether they are tackling a tough assignment or volunteering for a classroom job, they take ownership with a positive attitude that never wavers.  If a teacher needs a hand or a classmate is stuck, this student is often the first to step up, not because they have to, but because they genuinely care about the success of the whole group.

What truly sets Alyvia apart, however, is her impact on our school culture.  She does not just follow the rules; she makes our hallways a better place to be.  You’ll see it in the way she offers a word of encouragement to a peer, the way she ensures no one is left out of a group, or the simple, genuine smile she shares with everyone they pass.  Alyvia has an innate ability to make others feel seen and valued, creating a “ripple effect” of kindness that helps everyone around her feel supported.

We want to recognize her impressive work ethic.  Alyvia sets high standards for herself and meets it with a level of maturity that is truly inspiring.  She doesn’t need reminders to do her best; she is fueled by her own internal drive.  When faced with a challenge, Alyvia doesn’t back down – she persists.  That determination doesn’t just help her grow; it encourages her friends and classmates to aim higher, as well.

Because Alyvia leads with kindness, acts with responsibility, and works with fierce determination, she has made our community a brighter place for us all.

Congratulations Alyvia!