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Markham student tops Catholic school board's honour roll

YorkRegion.com
July 26, 2014
By Chris Traber

On average, 17-year old St. Brother Andre Catholic High School graduate Jason Manson-Hing would study four to six hours nightly, more when tests and exams loomed.

Long days for most people, but not for York Catholic District School Board’s best scholar in 2013-14.

“No, not really, because I enjoy learning,” said the affable Markham teenager who achieved an overall average of 99.67 per cent in his top six Grade 12 classes. “I did work hard, especially in Grade 11 and 12.”

An advanced placement student, Jason earned a perfect 100 per cent in his calculus and vectors, French, church and culture, and mathematics of data management classes. He also earned 99 per cent in advanced functions and English.

He attributes his success to his parents, peers and teachers and his special brand of motivation.

“My family encouraged me to do my own thing,” he said. “The students in the advanced placement program helped each other. We knew each other’s work and stress loads. My teachers were great. They made you want to learn and they never made you feel afraid to ask questions.”

Ultimately, his drive came from within.

“I’ve always pushed myself to do the best I can,” he said. “I try to always apply myself. When you do well, you’re motivated further. It compounds itself.”

During his time at Brother Andre, Jason participated in the school’s photography club, mentoring club and badminton team. He held executive positions on the school’s Luke 4:18 social justice club and power source anti-racism council. In his community, Jason is active in the Unionville Youth Council and Power Unit Youth Organization.

He will begin the system design engineering program at the University of Waterloo in September.

He has his sights set initially on a career in engineering research and development. Eventually, he wants to be part of an engineering management team.

“I genuinely enjoyed learning the things taught in school and am constantly humbled by how much I don’t know,” he said. “I look forward to university.”

For students entering high school and following his footsteps, he suggests learning to study.

“Figure out what works for you,” he said. “Don’t be afraid of new things. I know it’s cliche, but it’s a time for kids to grow.”

Curiously, three of the top York Catholic board students are set to study engineering at the University of Waterloo. That includes Jazel Canseco, a graduate of Father Michael McGivney Catholic High School in Markham, and Andrew Codispoti, a graduate of Father Bressani Catholic High School in Woodbridge. Both also did remarkably well during the 2013-14 school year with each earning an average of 99.17 per cent in their top six Grade 12 classes.

Jazel was enrolled in the rigorous International Baccalaureate program at Father Michael McGivney.

He was also a member of his school’s badminton club, Empowered Student Partnership Council and Peer Mentoring Group. Outside of school, Jazel volunteered as a tutor for children with learning disabilities through the Learning Disability Association of York Region.

He is set to start in the computer engineering program at Waterloo in September.

CREAM OF THE CROP:

Top scholars and their grade 12 average from each York Catholic secondary school, by community:


For more information, visit ycdsb.ca.