Class of 2020
Each year, De La Salle College looks to recognize members of its graduation class who have demonstrated incredible academic achievement and proven themselves to be true ambassadors for the community. We want to highlight some of those students as they embark on their post-secondary careers.
Name: Victor Buklis
Post-Secondary Institution: University of Toronto
Program: Social Science
Scholarships: President's Scholar of Excellence Award
Co-Curricular Activities at De La Salle College:
- Co-head of Debate Society
- Co-Editor-in-Chief of Oak Leaves Newspaper
- DECA
- Peer Tutor (math and economics)
- Senior Wind Ensemble
- School Tour Guide
- CISMF
How did you benefit from a Catholic education based on good example, charity and excellence?
As simple as it sounds, the Catholic education I received at Del helped me become the best version of myself. I came to love learning and now proudly call myself a lifelong learner; I learned to strive for the best in everything I do; I became more caring, kind, and charitable; and I connected with the people around me to a degree I hadn't experienced before. I think it is truly special that Del actively encouraged me, at every step of the way, to keep improving myself and become a better person in as many ways as possible.
What is the most memorable moment from your time at De La Salle?
In general, my experiences on Del's debate team are my most memorable moments. Weekly meetings and competitive tournaments both helped me greatly improve my abilities communicating, interacting, and (politely) arguing with people. On top of that, I made many of my closest friendships on the team. For a specific moment, hosting a debate tournament at Del in February 2020 is a particularly fond memory. As one of the heads of the team, I got to act as a host—so I helped direct visiting debaters, parent judges, and coaches to their respective meeting rooms, announce the day's debate resolutions, hand out awards at the end of the day, and complete a whole range of other duties. All in all, it was a hectic day; I was on my feet for at least 4–5 hours in pretty much constant motion. I don't recall sitting for much more than five minutes at any given time. Tiring as it was, I felt energized with the knowledge that I was representing the school I felt so proud to attend. And I was even happier when I heard of all the positive reception the school got for its hospitality. Mission accomplished!
As you conclude your time at the College, how do you plan to live out the call to our graduates to 'Leave to Serve?'
In one way, I can 'Leave to Serve' by doing something simple that many overlook: I can be decent, affable, just, and civil when dealing with others. I've learned that this is one of the pillars of functioning successfully in society, and though it might not sound like much, I think genuine respect for others goes a long way. Taken further, I also plan to go out of my way, as much as possible, to help people. This might be as simple as helping someone pick up a stack of dropped books, volunteering from time to time, and helping my peers with school work when I can—even if I'm busy or on a tight schedule. Lastly, and most broadly, I want to work for a good purpose—in whatever way that turns out. Regardless of what it is that I do as a career (research, finance, law, politics, running a business, etc.), I want it to have some connection to doing good for other people and making their lives better. I think that's the best way I can fulfill the call to 'Leave to Serve.'
Name: Charles Di Stefano
Post-Secondary Institution: University of Toronto
Program: Rotman Commerce
Scholarships: President's Scholar of Excellence Award
Co-Curricular Activities at De La Salle College:
- Junior and Senior Basketball
- DECA
- Debate Society
- Link Crew
- Stock Market Club
- Lector at Class Masses
How did you benefit from a Catholic education based on good example, charity and excellence?
In receiving a Catholic education, I was reminded to make faith a priority in my life. Even though we often become preoccupied by other obligations, we must remember to make time for our faith, recognizing the essential role it plays in our lives.
What is the most memorable moment from your time at De La Salle?
I can't pinpoint a single moment at Del as the most memorable. In my opinion, the everyday experiences of being with friends and developing lasting relationships over the past four years have made my time at Del so memorable.
As you conclude your time at the College, how do you plan to live out the call to our graduates to 'Leave to Serve?'
In my time at Del, I have learned the importance of giving back to the community, which has helped me grow into the person I am today. As I move forward, I intend to seek out organizations and charities that I am passionate about and donate both time and resources to help their causes. I feel it is my responsibility to help improve the community, which has given so much to me.
Name: Olivia Lopardo
Post-Secondary Institution: McGill University
Program: Bioengineering
Co-Curricular Activities at De La Salle College:
- Lasallian Youth Team
- House Leaders
- Athletic Council
- Student Council
- Basketball
- STEM Club
What is the most memorable moment from your time at De La Salle?
The most memorable moment from my time at Del was when I went to OFSAA in Grade 10, with the Senior Girls Basketball Team. It was such a great team with a fantastic group of girls, and a phenomenal coaching staff of Mr. DeSanctis and Mr. Mason. We may not have been the best team in the sport, but no other team could top our team spirit. We cheered tirelessly throughout the entire game, and no matter win or lose, we always left our games with big smiles. It was an amazing, unforgettable experience.
As you conclude your time at the College, how do you plan to live out the call to our graduates to 'Leave to Serve?'
Del has shown me that there are so many more aspects to an education than simply going to class and studying for exams. I took part in many different teams and clubs throughout my years at Del, both academic and co-curricular activities. The one which I truly enjoyed was being on Student Council, in a position of leadership, since it allowed me to make a difference to the school. Therefore, in my post-secondary studies at McGill University, I will be joining the Faculty of Engineering Empower Initiative, which teaches students to solve complex, global issues through experiential learning. This will be a great opportunity for me to strengthen my problem-solving skills, and hopefully, to one day make a positive global impact on society.
Name: Caitlyn Pinto
Post-Secondary Institution: Western University
Program: Kinesiology and Ivey Dual Degree
Scholarships: Academic Scholarship
Co-Curricular Activities at De La Salle College:
- Track and Field
- House Leader
- Theatre De La Salle
- Athletic Council
How did you benefit from a Catholic education based on good example, charity and excellence?
Having the Catholic faith integrated into my education over the past six years helped me to apply a religious outlook onto many aspects of my life. I believe that the faith unites students and staff at Del, and creates a strong sense of community that helps to produce students that will flourish.
What is the most memorable moment from your time at De La Salle?
Terry Fox days are always very memorable to me, as it is an annual event that every grade can look forward to and celebrate together. Del's school spirit and strong community really shine through every year on this day, and it is such a special feeling to experience it year after year.
As you conclude your time at the College, how do you plan to live out the call to our graduates to 'Leave to Serve?'
Del taught me that success does not pertain to one's financial position alone, but is defined by how well one can incorporate the faith into their life and maintain overall happiness and health. I will continue to look for opportunities to give back to my community in the future and forever be thankful to Del for the values and disciple that the College taught me.
Name: Isabella Spensieri
Post-Secondary Institution: Western University
Program: Health Sciences
Scholarships: Western Scholarship of Distinction
Co-Curricular Activities at De La Salle College:
- Debate Society
- Oak Leaves Newspaper
- Lasallian Youth Team
- Meagan's Walk Committee
- Basketball Team (Grade 8 - 11)
- Wind Ensemble
How did you benefit from a Catholic education based on good example, charity and excellence?
By receiving an education based on good example, charity, and excellence, I learned that, above all, nothing can replace the importance of, and need for, humility and hard work.
What is the most memorable moment from your time at De La Salle?
My most memorable moment at De La Salle was our music trip in 2019 to Orlando. Competing at an international music festival was a great experience, and visiting Orlando with my classmates and teachers was also a lot of fun.
As you conclude your time at the College, how do you plan to live out the call to our graduates to 'Leave to Serve?'
While I hope to live out this call through my future profession and by continuing with volunteer initiatives in my community, my time at De La Salle has also demonstrated that a life of service doesn't necessarily require grand gestures. Indeed, simply lending a helping hand and being kind are both integral components to a life of serving others, and I am genuinely looking forward to serving my community in any way that I can.