GUELPH – Indigo Moran, Ashley Taylor and Kellyanne Mangali have made notable impressions on their teachers, classmates and principals.
The three students were each recognized for their significant contributions and leadership at school during the Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) meeting on Nov. 6.
The students were honoured guests at the meeting, with family members and the principal and vice principal of each of their high schools accompanying them.
Trustee Vikki Dupuis praised the students and expressed confidence they would each have impressive futures – possibly even becoming Prime Minister of Canada.
“They certainly have the attributes,” Dupuis attested.
Indigo Moran
The St. James Catholic High School Student chosen for recognition was Indigo Moran.
Trustee Marino Gazzola said Moran was selected for their leadership, positive attitude and maturity.
Moran is insightful and has a “remarkable ability to lead,” their teachers report.
This leadership is grounded in Moran’s “humble approach.”
Their teachers say Moran is “extremely aware and astute” and always takes the extra steps – or even extra leaps at times – to thoroughly research any given topic to ensure they have accurate information.
Moran leads student groups and is the vice-president of the school’s environmental council.
Teachers describe Moran as caring, concerned, kind and aware, and attest that they “make the school, community and world a better place.”
Ashley Taylor
From Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School, Ashley Taylor was recognized as “a leader who gives of themself for the benefit of others.”
Trustee Sebastian Dal Bo said Taylor has “quietly and impactfully involved herself” in a range of school activities, including tutoring, tech crew, relay for life and Bishop Macdonell News.
Taylor is also the chair of the school’s arts council.
“She can be seen in pretty much any event that comes up,” Dal Bo said.
But most staff and students don’t realize the extent of her contributions because she never seeks recognition for her work.
“She doesn’t make herself the centre of attention – she always elevates others,” Dal Bo said.
Taylor’s hard work goes beyond the school walls; she is also an air cadet who obtained her glider pilot licence this year.
Kellyanne Mangali
Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL) Catholic High School student Kellyanne Mangali was selected for her kindness, compassion, dedication, reliability, thoughtfulness and positive attitude, said trustee Joe Tersigni.
Mangali’s teachers describe her as a “real pleasure to teach” as she is consistently “cheerful and ready to absorb knowledge.”
She makes a concerted effort to ensure all students feel a sense of belonging at OLOL.
Mangali organized a chess club at the high school and even though she is often busy completing homework during club meetings, she ensure’s everything is set up to provide an opportunity for others to play chess.
She’s also a dedicated member of the school’s environmental club and volunteers at the community garden.
Tersigni said Mangali is always smiling and ready to tackle the next project and is “truly an ambassador,” modeling all values of OLOL and the WCDSB.
