Erin student Jack Santos recognized for contributions to school community

GUELPH – Erin’s St. John Brebeuf Catholic School chose Grade 8 student Jack Santos as this year’s recipient of its VIP Award.

“Jack’s commitment to displaying Catholic values has made him a cornerstone of our school,” states a submission from St. John Brebeuf staff that describes why Santos was chosen for the award.

“He is dependable, responsible and kind.”

Trustee Sebastian Dal Bo presented Santos with the VIP award during a Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) meeting on March 3, and read the statement from his school to attendees.

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Santo’s teacher, parents, brother and grandmothers were present at the meeting to congratulate Santos on his achievement.

School officials describe Santos as “respectful, inclusive and empathetic to everyone.”

Santos is involved with many facets of the St. John Brebeuf community, including student council, school spirit assemblies, fundraising and delivering lunches.

During the Santa Claus parade, Santos dressed up in an “oversized cardinal costume with suspect yellow tights,” Dal Bo read.

“Jack also has a swagger about him that is nearly impossible to quantify,” he continued. “A ‘Je ne sais quoi,’ if you will.”

Santos goes by Jack as a short form of Joaquim, which means “to be established by God,” and “a force to be reckoned with.”

St. John Brebeuf officials say the name fits, as they believe God has a special plan for Santos, who they described as “a force and an unbelievably resilient person.

“When faced with an academic challenge, he pushes through, figuring out a way to be successful."

“More importantly, his resilience has allowed him to manage tough situations both in his school work and in his personal life this year.

“What would cause most others to crumble cannot stop this force known as Joaquim.”

Two other Grade 8 students were presented with VIP awards during the meeting: Wintana Redie from Guelph’s Sacred Heart Catholic School and Gwen Leachman from Guelph’s St. Paul Catholic School.

WCDSB chair Marino Gazzola described all three students as role models with contagious positive attitudes.

“All three of them are shining examples of the students in our system,” he said, adding that presenting the awards to students is a highlight for WCDSB trustees.