Aug. 27, 2003. 01:00 AM Perseverance is the key for star student FRANK CALLEJA STAFF REPORTER THE TORONTO STAR
Janelle DeSouza believes that to be a successful student, you've got to stay on top of school work. So it's not surprising the top is exactly where the Brampton resident ended up when the marks of Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board's graduating OAC students were announced. DeSouza's 97.83 per cent in her top six OAC subjects was the board's best. "I still don't know what my individual marks are, but it's a wonderful feeling," the lively 18-year-old graduate of Brampton's Cardinal Leger Secondary School said. This academic year was particularly challenging and competitive because of the so-called double cohort, which saw both OAC and Grade 12 students eligible for graduation and spots in university programs. The board's top Grade 12 graduate is Dorotea Mutabdzic, of Philip Pocock Secondary School in Mississauga, with an average of 97.33 per cent. With at least $3,000 in scholarships already in the bank and more expected, DeSouza will study commerce at the U of T's Mississauga campus. True to her motto of always being prepared and staying on top of school work, she's taking some pre-university programs to be ready. DeSouza said her summer employer, Sobey's grocery store, has scheduled her shifts as a cashier on weekends so she can attend class. Born in Mumbai, India, she and her family arrived in Canada when she was 11. Fluent in English when she arrived, the petite student established her academic credentials early and won a succession of awards and prizes throughout her grade school and high school years. Her best marks were in economics, accounting, computers, finite math, algebra/geometry and calculus. "I think it's very important to always stay on top of your school work � never get behind and never be discouraged when things don't go the way you expect. "Set goals, focus on them and above all else, persevere," DeSouza said. But, she continued, "you can't be book-bound, You have to become involved in your community, to help people, be there for them." "You need to have a passion for life � that's what makes the experience complete." She was a member of the student council, worked on the school's Urban Alliance Social Committee, which supported a variety of social causes and raised money to assist in the recovery of the Iraqi people after the war. "With the help of my family and friends and trust in God, I have been able to enrich my life and hopefully the lives of others. I'm thankful for it," DeSouza said. "Now that I've said all that, I'd better make sure I say it all to my sister, who is starting Grade 9 in September," she laughed. Like her big sister, Aurelia DeSouza, 14, is already on track. She has been named valedictorian for her Grade 8 graduating class. ------------------------------------------ Folks, Also in the paper, is a picture of a good looking Janelle DeSouza :-) Mervyn ______________________________________________________________________ Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
