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F. W. Johnson
My name is Sabah Sharif, and I moved to Canada as a Syrian refugee in 2016. Over the past four years, my life has greatly changed and I am proud of how far I’ve come.
I started Grade 9 as a shy person due to a lack of English skills, but with dedication and hard work, I was able to improve my English very quickly. I took every opportunity I was given to help myself grow as a person. I enrolled in many activities in my school that included singing in the choir and playing on the badminton team. I’ve also been an Outdoor School leader and the leader for the Peer Support group at Johnson. I seek excellence and that is shown in my academics since Grade 9.
Proudly, I started my journey of reconciliation and have been advocating for the importance of truth and reconciliation over the last few semesters. I hosted events regarding this issue and took part in the Treaty Four flag-raising ceremony at Johnson. I also wanted to give back to my community; therefore, I started volunteering at the Regina Open Door Society since the end of 2017 to teach young newcomers English and help them adapt to their new lives. Above all that, I manage to work part time to help support the family who has been there for me.
“You reap what you sow.”
My dedication and hard work have taken me to a new level and it has opened new doors and opportunities for me. I am thankful for my family, my teachers and all those who stood by me and supported me. I hope to become a pediatrician and serve in Doctors Without Borders program.
F. W. Johnson Collegiate
My name is Lydia Nguyen, and I am a Grade 12 student and proud Wildcat from F.W. Johnson Collegiate!
Throughout these past four years, I’ve been involved with a variety of circles at Johnson, including the concert band, badminton team, French club, and I was an Outdoor School leader earlier this year. In Grade 11, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the school’s Leadership class where I was able to help organize school events and interact with my local community. I am also an advocate for LGBTQ rights and my friend and I hosted Johnson’s first Pride celebration to show support for students of all gender identities and orientations!
Concerning my academics, I’ve consistently maintained a high overall average of above 97% each year and am the recipient of numerous subject awards. I’m a multimedia artist with a strong passion for arts and culture. I love to work with anything I can get my hands on, but my strongest area is digital illustration. Though I’ve worked part time since I was 15, I do commission work on the side and occasionally participate in art anthologies online.
I’m a bit nervous about the road ahead, but I’m very excited to see where the future will take me! I’m currently enrolled in pre-pharmacy at the University of Regina’s Faculty of Science. I’d like to thank all of the incredible staff at Johnson, as well as my peers, for all of their constant support!
F. W. Johnson Collegiate
My name is Matthew Leusink, and over the past four years, I have attended F.W. Johnson Collegiate. I played football for two years, was on the track team for three years, cross country for one and experienced being an outdoor school leader.
Outside of school, I enjoy working out and spending time with my family, friends and dogs. I’ve always found enjoyment from reading and gaming and spend a good amount of my spare time indulging in these hobbies. Jogging has always been my go-to activity and favourite way to spend my time because it relaxes me and makes me feel alive.
During my four years at Johnson, I’ve gone through difficult times but have also had a great time with the people close to me. High school has taught me many lessons and moulded me into who I am now. I’ve grown as a person and am excited for life to take off after high school. I owe everything I’ve learned and ways I’ve changed to my teachers and friends over my high school years and will always thank them for helping me improve myself.
For my future, I plan on taking the Primary Care Paramedic program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Regina. Once I complete the course, I want to pursue a career as a paramedic and live a great life. I am thankful to be a Twelfth Year recipient and am looking forward to what life has in store for me!
F. W. Johnson Collegiate
My name is Jullianna Belanger, and I am a student at F.W Johnson Collegiate.
I never considered myself a leader, contrary to what my teachers thought of me. Through the encouragement of my teachers at Johnson, I reluctantly joined the Leadership class in Grade 10, and I very quickly learned to love the class and the skills taught within it. I learned to recognize that when inequalities exist, that it is important to take action.
I have been fortunate enough to play for the Johnson basketball teams throughout my high school career. I love being part of a team. It is very important to connect with the team, to listen and to learn, whether we win or lose as a team.
My post-graduation plan is to become a middle-years teacher. I care about kids. I want to help students see that teachers care. I want to connect with children to help them discover their potential and be who they want to be.
When I was younger, school was easy for me. I have had to work hard in high school to find a balance between school, work and life. I have had many supportive people in my life who have pushed me to continue to work hard and succeed. I am thankful for these people. Support can only go so far, and I thank those who have stuck by me through my search for independence. I am who I am because of the special people in my life.