Another exciting academic year has come to an end, and with that, the departure of another excellent class of HNMCS graduates!
With almost $1.1 million in scholarship offers, the Class of 2023 is heading off to a wide range of programmes at universities both within Canada and internationally.
A diverse group of students, our grads are headed into health and life sciences, engineering and computer sciences, business, the humanities, and visual arts.
After an exciting final month of school, filled with reflection and gratitude, we met at the Living Arts Centre on June 19th to recognize all the achievements of the Class of 2023. Our Salutatorian, Demi Pappas, spoke from the heart and welcomed everyone warmly.
We were joined by Rashmi Mistry, a motivational speaker and women’s advocate, who encouraged our Graduates to continue asking the hard questions, and push the boundaries of their comfort zone. Speaking about the power of mindfulness, inner strength, and positive thinking, Ms. Mistry shared her experiences as both a female academic and an educator, and the challenges she faced due to gender inequality and outdated points of view. Her passion for women’s advocacy was evident, and inspired all those in the RBC Theater to think positively and go forward with a growth mindset.
During the presentation of diplomas, 100% of the graduates were Ontario Scholars (having attained an average of 80% or higher) and 70% of the students received the Marian Award, recognizing their consistent honour roll standing throughout their Senior School years at HNMCS. After the conferring of diplomas, special awards were given, recognizing the many unique gifts of the Class of 2023:
Felician Sisters Justice & Peace Award: Mariana Attardo
Basilian Fathers Catholic Student Award: Ariana Moreno
Graduate Student Award of Merit Award: Subin (Sally) Jeon
The Governor General of Canada Medal: Veronica Grignano
The University of Toronto National Book Award: Veronica Grignano
The Inspiring Leadership Award: Brigitte Rauch
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Award: Ling (Sabrina) Fang
Spirit Award: Sonya Yacynowych
Schulich Leader Nominee: Veronica Grignano
HNMCS Arts Award: Hanyuan (Claire) Zhang
HNMCS Stars Award: Sara Rinomato
The Bynoe Family Award: Silvia Labora, Pauline Maguire & Jessica Ou Yang
The wide variety of accomplishments and interests of the members of the Class of 2023 is reflected in their choice of university destinations, with 48% of the graduates pursuing programmes in the Arts & Humanities and 52% pursuing STEM related programmes.
Our Valedictorian, outgoing Student Government President Sophia Gorgiev, recalled her own journey at HNMCS, and expressed gratitude and appreciation for all members of the HNMCS community. With tears in her eyes, Sophia spoke fondly of all the memories made, and spoke with hope and optimism for the future.
We extend our sincere congratulations to the Class of 2023 on their graduation and wish them every success for the future.
