Past Peer Leader Introductions (2020-2021)
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Cohort A Cohort B
Past Peer Leader Biographies
Beata Lombardi
Peer Leader
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Hey, I’m Beata. I’m in grade 11 and I am one of your Peer Leaders.
I have a passion for dance and enjoy spending time with friends and family. I was inspired to be a Peer Leader to be able to help my school community, and to share my ideas to make this unusual school year feel more enjoyable. I love to eat pasta and burgers and make smoothies at home. I always put 110% into everything I do, and I enjoy helping others the best I can. In the future, I would love to move to New York City and become a lawyer. I love to travel to new places and try new things. There's "More 2 Life" than what you see, so treat others as you would want to be treated! |
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Sabrina Adam
Peer Leader
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Hey I’m Sabrina! I am currently a grade 11 student here at St. Thomas More and I am one of your Peer Leaders.
I decided to join Peer Leadership because helping others and working around the school makes me feel like a greater person. Helping others also motivates me to make the people around me happy. Some of my interests include: fashion, sports, nutritious recipes, and baking. My favourite fashion trends are dressing for the season. I love the feeling of being able to explore with all the different colours, styles, and themes that are associated with that particular season. In terms of cuisine, some dishes which are my favourite are: pasta, salads, açai bowls, etc. On a more serious topic, many of my goals I hope I am able to accomplish one day are: being accepted to McGill University, getting into a great Law School, graduating with good grades, becoming an outstanding Lawyer, and much more. Always remember that when a person works harder for something, the greater they will feel when they achieve it. There’s "More 2 Life" than trying to blend in, stand out and be yourself! |
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Mia Paiement
Peer Leader
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Hi I’m Mia! I’m a grade eleven student at St. Thomas More, and one of your Peer Leaders.
I became a Peer Leader because I wanted to help keep the school community stay united and positive, especially through this new way of living. I play high level soccer, so I enjoy being active and living a clean and healthy lifestyle. One of my future aspirations is to open my own bridal boutique. I would also love to travel Europe. One of my mantras that I find very important especially in high school is: There’s "More 2 Life" than the amount of followers you have on Instagram, build more real-life connections and always treat everyone with kindness. |
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Peace Agada
Peer Leader
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Hi, it's Peace, one of your 11 Peer Leaders!
I'm in grade 11. I switched to St. Thomas More last year at the beginning of grade 10. (Some words of advice: do your homework in class if you can!! DON’T take those opportunities for granted.) It's also great to get involved, because High School goes quickly. Grade 9 still feels like yesterday! I know that if I didn't try out for some of the sports I did (such as rugby, and cheer), I wouldn't have made some of the amazing friends that I have now. I became a Peer Leader because I wanted to make a difference, and leave a positive mark before I graduate. In my opinion, Peer Leadership is one of the most underrated courses. Not many people know enough about GPP 3O1 to take it, but it’s a great way to get involved (which is important in a school as big as ours), and an amazing way to make a difference. Overall, I believe High School can be what you make of it. Difficult days will always come, but it’s good to remember... There's "More 2 life" than High School... Don’t let a few bad days, or a few bad people determine your future! |
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Natalie Brugnano
Peer Leader
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Hello, all! I’m Natalie Brugnano: volunteer, violinist, and one of your STM PEER Leaders!
I am a grade 11 student who joined MORE Lead to become better involved with the school community. I love ramen, cosplay and terrible puns, and can usually be found with my face in my laptop (if I’m not getting lost outside, that is). Though I’m not sure what I’d like to do with myself just yet, my goal in life is to make an impact on those around me: “As long as I have a chance to play, and there's an audience that will listen, I'm going to play with everything I've got. So that the people who've heard me will never forget me. So that I can live in their hearts forever.” -Kaori Miyazono Remember, there’s "MORE 2 Life" than the expectations of others – stay true to yourself first, and your heart will guide you. |
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Imani Washington
Peer Leader
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Hi, I'm Imani and I am one of your Peer Leaders here at STM. I am currently in grade 11 and I've been attending St. Thomas More for approximately two years now.
I decided to join Peer Leadership because not only is it great to get involved with what your school has to offer, but, I love being able to help others in whatever way I can (It's is also a great course to graduate with). I love to participate in sports as I am a devoted track athlete and cheer leader. I also enjoy photography, hair, and makeup, as well as watching football. For the future, I hope to attend Syracuse University and/or Howard University where I will enrol in the Media Studies program with the intention of becoming a future Sports Broadcaster. One piece of advice I would give would be to get work done instead of procrastinating, as hard as that is (trust me I know). Life is busy, and nothing is guaranteed. Life becomes so much more relaxed when you get it out of the way, you'll feel so much better about it. There's "MORE 2 Life" than the struggles thrown at you... your more powerful then you think. |
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Shanena-Lee (Shay) Skervin
Peer Leader
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Hey, its Shay one of your grade eleven Peer Leaders at St.Thomas More.
I am currently in grade 11, working at my favourite fast food place, Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen. Some of my favourite things are Track and Field, Cheerleading, Rugby, working out, and helping people in anyway I can. I chose to be a Peer Leader because being a leader and making a change has always been one of my goals. In my own words, high school is the best time to enjoy life and have fun, but remember everything must stay in moderation. School work and homework should always come first, I am here to say that "no matter what, when it comes to school, just do what works best for you. What matters most are the small chances, use those five minutes before the bell to do something productive like read over your notes. Most of all stay focused. At the end of the day remember fate is in the palm of your hand. There is "MORE 2 life" than fitting in and being normal choose to stand out. |
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Taena Lee
Peer Leader Hi STM!
I'm Taena Lee, and I am in grade eleven. During my spare time, I love to run, socialize, and spend time with my family and friends. Also, I like to relieve my stress by: baking, drawing, and reading. My current and future goals are to get a higher rank on the school Honour Roll, have a more efficient sleep schedule, and to help more people who are in need. I want to live up to my full potential and try to be a better version of myself every day. My favourite foods range from pizza and burgers, to watermelon and fruit smoothies. My philosophy in life is to be the best version of myself each day, and to try my best in anything that I do. I decided to become a Peer Leader because I always wanted to find a way to increase my leadership skills and become a confident individual who anyone can rely on. The Peer Leadership course helps me learn about how I can be a leader outside and inside the school community, which is what I am aiming to achieve. My favourite fashion trend would have to be 90s and 80s inspired outfits. There is "MORE 2 life" than the negativity that surrounds us; surround yourself with positivity! |
I love the nostalgic, simplistic, yet fun vibes those types of styles convey. A quote that I live by would have to be “Quality over quantity.” I live by this quote because, it is important to not focus on the amount of anything you possess, but the standard. Our society seems to be attracted to the numbers which can be very toxic, especially to teens like us. Although it is difficult in this world, we must remember that numbers do not matter.
My future aspiration in life is to get into a university in the medical field, perhaps Medical Sciences or Biomedical Engineering. I would like to work hard enough to get a scholarship to my university of choice. After I graduate, I want to have a job where I can help many people who need assistance. I hope as a peer leader, I can help many of you in any way possible! |
Brannon Russell
Peer Leader
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Hi! My name is Brannon, I am currently in grade 11 and enrolled at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School.
I became a Peer Leader to help my school and my community stay united during this crazy time. I am currently involved in a couple extra-curricular activities which include: Football, Basketball and Track and Field. I have many interests, but I have a few main ones which are Football, Camping, and listening to music. I have many aspirations for my future which include becoming the CEO of my own football training business or developing into a professional athlete. Another goal I want to accomplish is receiving a full scholarship to a University in either the United States or Canada. Within the next 5-10 years I see myself finishing my degree, and possibly becoming a personal trainer. My favourite quote is “hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard” - Kevin Durant. There is "More 2 Life" than giving up, motivate yourself to always achieve your goals no matter how many times you may fall. Overcoming adversity is the key ingredient to success. |
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Sarina Gambale
Peer Leader
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Hi my name is Sarina, and I am a grade 11 student at St. Thomas More CSS. Most importantly, I am one of the Peer Leaders here at STM. Here are a few things about myself that I would like to share. I enjoy various activities but, volleyball, is my favourite sport to play, I started playing at the age of 6. I also like playing soccer, I love ice skating and exercising at the gym. I like keeping busy because when I am bored it drives me crazy. I have a bad shopping addiction, and I like to spend time with friends. I have many goals I would like to hopefully achieve in my future such as: passing the Literacy Test, graduating high school, getting accepted to McMaster University for Social Sciences or Humanities, and eventually getting my full license so I can afford to buy a car. I love all food and I am not a picky eater, but my favourite foods are: green beans, salad, pasta with shrimp, my Nonna’s homemade Pasta al forno, buffalo cauliflower from Hambrgr and a McChicken from McDonalds. To be completely honest, I did not know much about the Peer Leadership & Support (GPP 3O1) course, until I got recommended by my teacher to take it. Once I was recommended to take the course, I started researching more about it and thought it would be a good way to get more involved and meet new people. I am a very shy person and this course involves collaboration, so it has allowed me to break out of my shell. I do not have certain favourite trends in fashion, I have favourite clothing lines, for example: Garage, Aritzia, Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Calvin Klein, Dynamite, Pink, LuluLemon and Nike. My favourite quote that I believe is absolutely inspiring to me is by Gandhi, “You must be the change you want to see in the world”. I like this quote because articulates into words the true meaning of life. Remember, you have to put yourself out there in the world and make the effort to create the change; never rely on others. My mother has repeatedly said that if you want to see change happen then you must grow into an independent adult. |
I have not made up my mind of what I want to do or be in the future. This year I took a variety of courses to see what I like and keep my options open. In the beginning I was thinking of Child and Youth Studies or Criminology. There is a program at Laurier University at the Brantford campus that offers students both options to either major or minor in one, I also am interested in going to McMaster University, for Social Sciences or Humanities.
Bottom line is... There is "More 2 Life" than just money, working or school, those are important necessities in life that you need to sustain yourself but, money doesn’t buy happiness. If you a have a loving and supportive family to surround you, then that is all you need to form a happy and successful life. |
Antonia Mamone
Peer Leader
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Hey STM! My name is Antonia Mamone, I'm a grade eleven student and I am part of your MORE LEAD team.
All my life, I have had this ambition to participate in movements and activities that create change for a better tomorrow. When my Teacher-Advisor informed the class about this project, I could not be more excited to share my ideas that will hopefully bring our school community back together. Here are just a few things that I think you should know about me: I spend most of my free time reading novels, writing journal entries and listening to music. My favourite type of music to listen to include: acoustic and pop from artists like Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, Lennon Stella, James Arthur and several others. My favourite times of the year are the holidays. I come from an Italian family, so those of you who can relate, understand how exhilarating the holidays can be as they are often filled with laughter and an endless amount of delicious food. Some of my dislikes include sports and the taste and smell of coffee (I would rather drink tea instead). My least favourite subjects in school are Math and Science. I am currently not involved in extra-curriculars, but on my spare time I enjoy hiking near the falls with my family. I chose to become a Peer Leader because of my timid and introverted personality. This stood out as a fantastic opportunity to break out of my shell, and help other students who are like me to learn how to embrace their inner personality. As I said before, I believe in teamwork, change and building a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. |
My interest in writing is something I desire to pursue in my future by writing my own novels and travelling around the world to explore and write about culture.
In ten years, I picture myself having finished my studies and preparing to work a full-time job. I hope that throughout the next ten years I find opportunities to visit extraordinary places, while discovering more about who I am as I meet new people along my journey. “It’s the little things that matter most,” is a motto I live by and I believe everyone should because often times people get too caught up in society’s norms as they forget to appreciate the small moments. St. Thomas More, "there's MORE 2 life" than keeping up with the Joneses. Always remember to be unique and savour the little things in life. |
Sloan Repta
Peer Leader
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Hey STM, my name is Sloan Repta and I am currently in my third year here at St. Thomas More having just started grade eleven.
I have been on the Honour Roll for the last two years, and you will see me even more engaged in our school community as a Prefect throughout this coming year. Having academic and personal development goals in place to help keep me motivated has always been important to me, which is why Leadership and Peer Support caught my attention when choosing my courses for grade eleven. It is designed to help develop skills in communication, interpersonal relationships, conflict management, and teamwork. This course will assist me with personal development goals that I have in place for myself and will definitely support me as I strive to attain my current academic goals of graduating high school achieving honours each year. I am also working towards being accepted to a university of my choice to help me continue along the path of my academic journey. Goals and achievements aside, I am a huge lover of food. Or I should say a huge lover of the food that I like? If being sent to a deserted island and having to choose between taking only a few edible items with me, it would hands down be pizza, cheesecake, and chocolate. Or anything that contains chocolate! Maybe even a chocolate pizza! My fashionista side is very low-key dressing which includes more for comfort than what is dictated by the fashion trends. Regardless of the seasonal temperature, you will always find me wearing a sweater. Spring brings cold rain…you need a sweater. The summer has air conditioning…you definitely need a sweater. Winters can be bitter cold…hello? Sweater! And the fall, well the fall fully explains my obsession with cozy warm sweaters because it’s the season where the sun is still usually warm during the day, but when the temperature drops in the evening, you need a sweater! |
Along with my obsession with sweaters, I’m a lover of learning new random and interesting facts, or trying something new or out of the ordinary, which recently has been teaching myself how to knit, and learning the many technique in medical suturing.
I have been swimming since before school age, and I am optimistic that COVID will subside sooner than later, so I can complete my last training level and write the exam to become a lifeguard. Overall, when it comes to life in general, I try to focus on the good in the world, but when feeling uncertain I reflect upon the words of one of my favourite quotes, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if only one remembers to turn on the light”. This quote reminds me to work through my challenges, to not be afraid of trying something new. Remember that there is"MORE to life" than what we have planned, and if we can see the light in any difficult situation, we will always find some good in any experience. |
