Williams students among York Region’s top scholars

July 30, 2026 · 0 Comments

Two students at Aurora’s Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School have been named amongst the York Region District School Board’s Top Scholars for the 2025-2026 school year with their impressive grade averages.

Williams students Saahil Gopi Palamaner and John Wang earned top honours from the YRDSB this summer, each with a grade average of 99.67 per cent.

Joining them in the Top 8 this year are Vivienne Liao of Markham’s Milliken Mills High School and Matthew Weinstein of Thornhill’s Westmount Collegiate Institute, both with 100 per cent; Srijana Basu of Maple High School and Chris Fu of Stouffville District Secondary School, both with 99.67 per cent as well; and Kiki Puccini of Newmarket’s Sir William Mulock Secondary School and Victor Yee of Markham District High School, who both earned a 99.5 per cent average.

“Congratulations to each of these students on their outstanding accomplishments,” said Ron Lynn, Chair of the York Region District School Board. “Earning one of the highest averages is a remarkable achievement that reflects years of hard work, dedication and commitment to learning, supported by YRDSB families and educators.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I congratulate these top scholars and wish all of our students continued success in the future.”

Added Bill Cober, CEO of the YRDSB: “These students reflect the strong commitment to learning demonstrated by YRDSB students throughout their secondary school years. As we celebrate their academic success, we also recognize the important role that teachers, administrators and support staff play in fostering student achievement every day. On behalf of all YRDSB staff, congratulations to these top scholars on this well-deserved recognition.”

It was a highly successful final for Wang and Weinstein who are two of six York Region District School Board students to earn a Schulich Leader Scholarship, supporting their post-secondary goals.

Other YRDSB students to secure the scholarships are Brooklynn Gonyea of Bill Crothers Secondary School, Eli Temes and Nathaniel Moodie, both of Stephen Lewis Secondary School, and Shanez Haji of Bayview Secondary School.

“The Schulich Leader Scholarship is one of Canada’s most prestigious undergraduate awards, recognizing students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to innovation in STEM fields,” said the Board. “Since 2012, the program has awarded more than $100 million in scholarships, supporting up to 100 students across Canada each year.

“Each YRDSB recipient plans to pursue studies in STEM fields, with interests ranging from engineering and computer science to health sciences and research innovation.”

By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter