Oak Bay Student Wins World Citizenship Scholarship
About the scholarship
|
|
Ryan Javanmardi is the winner of a $1,000 World Citizenship Scholarship. The scholarship was created by the Bahá’í Faith community in Oak Bay, BC, to encourage students to have a world-embracing vision and to work towards harmony between people of all races, cultures and nationalities. “The world has become increasingly interconnected, and the solutions to the problems humanity faces require greater international cooperation,” said selection committee member Nancy Watters. “We want to encourage students to think globally.” All grade 12 students at Oak Bay High School were eligible.
The selection committee unanimously agreed that Ryan Javanmardi, a Canadian citizen residing in Victoria, truly exemplifies the spirit of this award. He received the scholarship at a reception held for him and his family on June 23rd. Ryan said, “If we all focus on giving back to the community, the world will naturally become a better place.” He already has an incredible track record of doing just that.
While maintaining a 98.5% academic record, Ryan contributed to the Greater Victoria community through volunteering with Adopt-a-Highway environmental cleanup, the Baha’i Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program, Scouts Canada, and as a martial arts assistant instructor. He received The Duke of Edenborough Bronze and Silver awards, and is now completing his Gold level. He speaks three languages fluently. Ryan’s global awareness has been shaped by the fact that his family has hosted international students from 12 different countries over the past 13 years. He has also benefited from travelling to 8 countries, and working with local people.
One of his references, a local optometrist, describes how she took the unprecedented step of hiring Ryan as a receptionist when he was only 15. She cites, “His infectious smile and enthusiasm, along with a keen sense of responsibility” as part of the reason. “Within weeks, Ryan had mastered our electronic medical records, was comfortable answering phones, booking appointments, billing and dealing with the public. Not wanting to stop there, Ryan took the initiative to learn how to operate our diagnostic equipment, and fix frames. Most important, however, is how easily Ryan was able to get along so well with ten other staff and how respectful he is to my patients.”
Ryan has been accepted at University of Victoria, where he will undertake studies in Computer and Electrical Engineering. He plans to continue working with youth, helping them adopt a global vision of hope. He says, “Promoting trustworthiness, honesty, humility and kindness amongst the newer generations will lead to a more peaceful future for our planet.”
Congratulations Ryan!
The selection committee unanimously agreed that Ryan Javanmardi, a Canadian citizen residing in Victoria, truly exemplifies the spirit of this award. He received the scholarship at a reception held for him and his family on June 23rd. Ryan said, “If we all focus on giving back to the community, the world will naturally become a better place.” He already has an incredible track record of doing just that.
While maintaining a 98.5% academic record, Ryan contributed to the Greater Victoria community through volunteering with Adopt-a-Highway environmental cleanup, the Baha’i Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program, Scouts Canada, and as a martial arts assistant instructor. He received The Duke of Edenborough Bronze and Silver awards, and is now completing his Gold level. He speaks three languages fluently. Ryan’s global awareness has been shaped by the fact that his family has hosted international students from 12 different countries over the past 13 years. He has also benefited from travelling to 8 countries, and working with local people.
One of his references, a local optometrist, describes how she took the unprecedented step of hiring Ryan as a receptionist when he was only 15. She cites, “His infectious smile and enthusiasm, along with a keen sense of responsibility” as part of the reason. “Within weeks, Ryan had mastered our electronic medical records, was comfortable answering phones, booking appointments, billing and dealing with the public. Not wanting to stop there, Ryan took the initiative to learn how to operate our diagnostic equipment, and fix frames. Most important, however, is how easily Ryan was able to get along so well with ten other staff and how respectful he is to my patients.”
Ryan has been accepted at University of Victoria, where he will undertake studies in Computer and Electrical Engineering. He plans to continue working with youth, helping them adopt a global vision of hope. He says, “Promoting trustworthiness, honesty, humility and kindness amongst the newer generations will lead to a more peaceful future for our planet.”
Congratulations Ryan!