Described by her teacher as a young person who “is very kind and inclusive to everyone” Vivian provides leadership through her character and action.
Having a sincere ethical standard of helping others, she is often seen coming to the aid of those in need and enthusiastically participated in the Me to We group. As part of this group, Vivian also helped to create Kanaka’s first Santa Land photo fundraiser with monies raised going to a sponsored We village in Africa. Outside of school Vivian practices jazz dance and plays rugby on the Ridge-Meadows Bruins.
Vivian tries her best at everything she does, and in working with the Kanaka Green Team she provided good ideas and follow through. The Green Team was important to Kanaka students because, as Vivian pointed out, “it teaches kids they can’t use all the electricity; it’s not endless.” In part, her drive to make a change along with classmates earned them first place in the SD42 Energy Challenge.
Vivian has a natural ability to teach others and desires to share knowledge. Whether amongst students in her class or in front of a larger audience, she has good insight and isn’t afraid to state her opinion or stand up for what’s right. Drawing from her heritage, Vivian made personal connections in researching and presenting her speech on the Chinese Head Tax.
The topic was important as she not only wanted to learn more about her family’s story, but also to share with others important parts of Canadian history, such as when Chinese were banned from moving to Canada. “I want other people to know about what happened in Canada.” As a developing leader, she clearly has a sense of purpose and a respect for history.
About Leaders of Tomorrow
The Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District (SD42) has teamed up with the Maple Ridge News to celebrate local students who are making a difference at school and in the community. Elementary and secondary students featured as Leaders of Tomorrow were picked by their principals for making positive achievements in academics, sports, arts and community involvement.
The list is just a sample of outstanding students in the school district selected by their school during the 2017/18 school year – there are many others who were equally deserving of recognition for their exemplary achievements both inside and outside the classroom.
Every Tuesday throughout the school year, SD42 will profile a student selected as one of the 2018 Leaders of Tomorrow.
