Torch - Fall/Winter 2018-19

“

I find that it’s the little things—the ones that make you happier, add spark to life and make your heart skip—that make life worthwhile.

“

W hen Catherine Thomas slipped the School Captain vest over her shoulders for the first time, she paused to appreciate the magnitude of the moment. “It felt surreal. I’ve always admired the amazing women who wore the vest before me and I could feel all their love for the school when I put it on.” It was a fitting start for the 2018–19 School Captain. If there’s one thing Thomas wants to inspire her fellow students to do, it’s to love and appreciate Havergal as much as she does. With an effervescent personality and a determination to strengthen connections between students, faculty and staff, Thomas plans to lead in a fashion similar to one of her early mentors. “Rachelle Li was School Captain when I was in Grade 7. From the first word she spoke, my jaw dropped. She was so happy, fun-loving and charismatic. When you were around her your spirit was instantly lifted. She made you feel so great about yourself and the world. I thought, if I can have an impact on others the way she did, I would be the happiest girl on the planet.” The pursuit of happiness, for herself and others, is what motivates Thomas no matter where she’s putting her energy. “I find that it’s the little things—the ones that make you happier, add spark to life and make your heart skip—that make life worthwhile,” she says. Thomas joined Havergal in Grade 6 and instantly became involved in co-curricular activities to help her get to know herself and others better. She started with sports like track and field, soccer, volleyball and rowing, and her interests shifted over time to include music. As the head of Music Connect last year, she especially enjoyed the community partnership with 147 Elder Street. The group brought familiar music by Frank Sinatra and early Beatles selections to seniors living with dementia.

“It was the most amazing thing to see people who were otherwise low-functioning get up, hold hands and start singing,” says Thomas. It was particularly touching for her because it reminded her of listening to big band leader Lawrence Welk with her grandfather. Another passion for Thomas has been student government. Beginning in Middle School, she participated in House Executive and student/social councils, which ultimately led to her aspiration to be School Captain. “Being able to represent a greater community, communicate ideas and make a difference are really important to me; they are very rewarding.” She plans to study international business in university and has a goal of working in teams to solve problems with people from around the world. As School Captain, Thomas is looking forward to fostering an inclusive environment in which all students feel valued and heard. Her wish is for everyone to make a new connection every day, whether it’s with a fellow student or faculty member. “Reaching out, saying hi and finding out a fact about another person is an amazing way to get to know people on a deeper level. And then there will be one more person who will support you at Havergal.” Reflecting on what she’d like to accomplish this year, she can’t help but think about spirit and appreciation. “Everyone at Havergal is so supportive. When you’re younger, you don’t always see how much effort the faculty and staff put into making sure that you’re getting the best experience possible. I’m so grateful for the environment that I’ve grown up in.” What’s most important for Thomas is to make everyone appreciate the school as much as she does. “It would make my year if a student told me that I was able to show them all the great things about Havergal. That’s a huge goal for me.”

TABLE OF CONTENTS | FALL/WINTER 2018–19 • TORCH 9