Mickail Johnson is a Grade 12 student at R. F. Staples Secondary School. He was nominated for the Citizenship Award by Teacher Lalenya Gasse.

As the oldest child in his family, Mickail demonstrates responsibility. After losing his younger brother to cancer last year, Mickail has taken responsibility for his family, looking after his younger brother and grandparents. As he lives with his grandparents, he has shown responsibility in his choices to keep them safe during the pandemic.

Mickail has a positive attitude and always comes to class with a smile on his face. He is always finding the positive, no matter how frustrating the situation is. For example, when we went to remote learning in December, Mickail was frustrated and concerned about his ability to be successful. Despite these feelings of doubt, Mickail came to the Google Meets every day ready to learn and with a positive anecdote to share with the class.

Mickail works towards his goals and made a choice to put in his full effort to reach graduation. He has worked hard to improve his attendance and complete his work. Mickail has been able to exceed some of the goals he has set out for himself.

Mickail has the courage to do what is right. Throughout the pandemic, Mickail has struggled with some of his community members and peers not wearing masks or following the regulations for gathering. Mickail approached one of his teachers for guidance on how to talk to friends and family about following the regulations. “He understood that he would likely make them mad, but felt he needed to say something to keep his loved ones (his grandparents) safe.”

The school board is pleased to present Mickail with the Citizenship Award for recognition of the positive contributions he makes in his school and community. Congratulations!