On November 18, the Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre (CanTYD) hosted its 13th Annual Awards of Excellence gala. The night recognized Tamil-Canadian students who have achieved excellence in academics, athletics, the arts and community service.
The gala was hosted at the Isabel Bader Theatre in downtown Toronto. The reception began at 5:30 pm and was followed by the Awards of Excellence programme at 6:30 pm.
The evening showcased dance and drama performances by CanTYD’s Medai Konal team. The Performing Arts award winner, Aperame Aru Balasingam, treated the audience to a marvelous bharathanatyam performance. Motivational speaker Thansha Sadacharam spoke of growing up as an immigrant youth and the importance of hard work and dedication to overcome challenges.
Awards were distributed to 17 exceptional students for Academic Achievement, Athletic Achievement, Overall Achievement, Outstanding Community Contribution, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Most Improved Student. All Grade 12 award recipients received an additional $1000 scholarship towards post-secondary education.
CanTYD is a non-profit organization dedicated to youth empowerment in the Tamil community. In February 1998, several Tamil-Canadian students and graduates formed CanTYD to address youth violence in the community. CanTYD has since evolved to an active community organization comprised of 6 staff, over 50 volunteers, 500 young participants, outreach in 6 high schools, and has made a difference in the lives of many youth across the GTA.
CanTYD wishes to thank RBC, TD Bank Financial Group, The Co-operators, Ideal Developments, SSYBS Consulting, Vinoja Kumareswaran, Gary Anandasangaree, LLB and Peter Connelly, LLB for their gracious support.
As of 2012, CanTYD has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships.
2012 Awards of Excellence Winners:
Aperame Aru Balasingam – Performing Arts ($1000 Scholarship)
Maenusha Raguvarnan – Performing Arts
Vinsia Maharajah – Visual Arts ($1000 Scholarship)
Raveena Raveendran – Outstanding Community Contribution
Vithiya Thiruthanikasalam – Outstanding Community Contribution
Lacsy Panchalingam – Outstanding Community Contribution ($1000 Scholarship)
Kaesavan Selvakumaran – Grade 9 Academic Achievement
Piravena Selvakumar – Grade 12 Academic Achievement ($1000 Scholarship)
Kohilan Selvakumaran – Grade 9 Overall Achievement
Rammya Ilankannan – Grade 10 Overall Achievement
Nishanth Sahathevan – Grade 12 Overall Achievement ($1000 Scholarship)
Jasinthan Uthyasandiran – Athletic Achievement
Luxshiney Sritharan – Athletic Achievement
Shajen Selvanathan – Athletic Achievement ($1000 Scholarship)
Apeeram Aru Balasingam – Most Improved Student ($1000 Scholarship)
Babithan Baskararajah – Most Improved Student ($1000 Scholarship)
Lavan Sivalingam – Most Improved Student ($1000 Scholarship)
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