Centre Wellington high school student Nishin Nathwani was named the Centre Wellington Junior Citizen-of-the-Year on April 7.
He was surprised in the school library by principal Karen Welsh, Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj, and his parents, Niranjan (Andy) and Nalini Nathwani.
Welsh said it was a pleasure to support his nomination.
“Nishin has been at our school for two and a half years,” she wrote. “During that time he has maintained an A-plus average, showing oustanding skills academically well beyond his grade level.
His subject teachers made comments about him as “outstanding critical thinking at an exceptional level”; “superbly understanding, amazing work”; and “most competent that I have ever worked with.”
Welsh noted he has been a leader in the school’s Amnesty International Club, the Gay Straight Alliance, and is setting up a school meditation centre for staff and students.
I have never witnessed Nishin to be anything other than cheerful and enthusiastic,” wrote Audrey Morrison, the school’s child and youth counsellor, who had nominated him for the award.
Nishin was congratulated by Ross-Zuj and his parents, and received a round of applause from his fellow students who happened to be in the library when the presentation was made. He was presented with tickets for the annual Chamber of Commerce gala. He was also presented with a pirate’s eye patch to wear for the occasion because the gala this year has a pirate theme.
