Emily Stevenson, Olivia Rossi, Ryan Takli, Justin DiNino, Maya DeJesus, and Nicholas Guyton Honored at Robert F. Hall’s Annual Academic Awards Ceremony

By Jim Stewart

The Robert F. Hall Catholic Secondary School community celebrated its annual Academic Awards Ceremony last Thursday night. Over 1000 students, parents, and staff attended the event at the school's Caledon East campus.

The seven specialty award winners were Emily Stevenson, who earned the top average in Grade 9; 

Olivia Rossi, who accrued the top average in Grade 10; and Ryan Takli garnered the top average in Grade 11. Emily Stevenson also captured the Grade 9 Spirit Award; Justin DiNino earned the Grade 10 Spirit Award; and Maya DeJesus was the Grade 11 Spirit Award winner. Nicholas Guyton was recognized for his contributions to Hall's rich co-curricular life with the School Council Award.

Daniela Botelho, a Mathematics Teacher and one of the organizers of the event, is in her fourth year serving the community of Robert F. Hall CSS.  During our interview, Ms. Botelho discussed the most satisfying elements of the school's Awards Night: “It's exciting to celebrate the kids' academic talents.  It was their time to shine tonight.  It's really rewarding. Seeing them on the stage to get their award motivates you as an educator when you see so many great students being recognized.” 

Ms. Botelho also noted that “Over 330 award winners were recognized tonight, some of whom are physically-challenged. Justin DiNino won an award tonight and his story is so inspirational.  Justin finds a way to overcome his challenges to contribute in a significant way to student life at Robert F. Hall. He was very deserving of the Grade 10 Spirit Award.”