This month’s National Renaissance Student of the Month is Parva Nassiri Sheykhani from Kennebecasis Valley High School in New Brunswick. Nominator Melissa Wright wrote:
Parva deserves to be recognized for her commitment in many areas of school at KVHS. First, she has been a member of our renaissance team since her grade 9 year and is now entering grade 12 where she plays a key role in all that our team does. As well, last year she stepped up to the plate to be part of our student group that did the presentation for our diamond school of distinction. This is something that Parva has been working towards and her commitment to becoming better as a presenter and public speaker is paying off. She also runs the math club each week on her own. She comes up with problems for them to solve each week and makes sure they have a place to meet. But finally she is also dedicated to her academics. Not only does she hold herself to a high academic standard, but she takes courses that challenge her. She is in the advanced math stream and takes multiple AP classes per year. The hours and meticulous work she does for her academics is outstanding. She makes me as an educator want to be better. Parva is fully committed to KVHS and making our school the best place possible for every student and staffulty member. She is always thinking of ways to make what we do better. Commitment is one of the pillars we want our students to live by, and she lives it every day.
What are you involved with at your school?
I’m involved in several things at my school, including Renaissance, Key Club, and the Yearbook Committee. This year, I’m also running Math Club. I’ve also participated in House Committee, Ultimate Frisbee, and Philosophy Club
What is something you appreciate about your school’s culture?
I like how supportive teachers and students are of one another. The wide variety of clubs offered at my school creates so many opportunities to get involved, making sure there is something for everyone to be a part of and a place where they can feel like they truly belong. I also appreciate how welcoming my school is to new Grade 9s. The Leadership Team, Blue Crew, and Renaissance all help make the transition to high school more smooth for them. On Grade 9 Day, they are there to welcome grade 9s through the spirit tunnel and are around all day to guide them and offer help finding their classes. As part of Renaissance, we meet together the week before school to put together welcome kits. I remember how much more reassuring it was to have that support when I was in Grade 9, and I’m grateful to be able to help create that experience for new students.
What is a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
One of my favorite Renaissance moments is coming up with a new theme and putting together the Academic Excellence board each month. I love sharing my ideas for the designs, and hearing what members come up with. Teachers can nominate their students for showing academic improvement or achieving outstanding grades, and we write their names on the different shapes that we cut out and arrange on the board. What I especially love is that it gives us an ongoing way to recognize students and make them feel seen. No matter how busy each month gets, we make time for it. Walking past the finished board in the hallway and seeing students excitedly searching for their names makes me feel proud of what we’ve created together. Last year, we also added a photo contest, where students can take a picture of their name on the board to enter a prize draw, while teachers can enter by nominating students.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
Renaissance has supported me and helped me grow in so many ways. It has given me the chance to get more involved, collaborate with others to support and recognize students and staff, organize events, and step out of my comfort zone. I’ve formed many new friendships along the way and developed valuable skills, including leadership, collaboration, and time management, through being part of the team. I feel like I belong. Seeing how the work we do positively impacts our school culture makes me feel like I can make a difference and be part of something bigger.
Who inspires you to Fight Forward?
My loved ones, including my family, friends, and teachers inspire me to “Fight Forward” by encouraging me to persevere through challenges to work towards reaching my goals. They are the ones who support and believe in me even when I don’t always believe in myself. Every step I take forward reminds me that I’m one step closer to where I want to be. I’m also motivated by my eagerness to take on challenges to grow and expand my skills and strive to inspire others to do the same. Visualizing the positive outcomes and the impact I can have on others encourages me to keep moving forward even when things get tough.
Why is resilience important?
Resilience is important for navigating life’s changes and challenges. It involves persevering through struggles, adapting to change, and overcoming obstacles along the way. It gives us the strength to keep going and achieve personal growth by learning to view mistakes and failures as opportunities for growth rather than permanent setbacks.
Parva will receive a water bottle and a decal in recognition of her achievement.