By Matias de Dovitiis

There is an awesome pool of talent in Downsview schools. Last year, I started a program in 20 schools to hand out bursaries that would award students for their academic success and their civic engagement in their school communities.

I plan to keep doing this as I recognize that there is a need to engage and award those students that do well, but that also have the inclination to lead and demonstrate to their peers the value of participation.

These students are already building better communities, even at a young age.

This year, 15 schools participated, and 15 students were nominated for the award by their teachers and principals.

Each recipient of the bursaries has definitely left their mark on their school community.

Here is wishing them, and all of the graduating classes this year a great success as they move on to a new chapter in their lives!

You can follow Matias on Twitter @MatiasdeD