APEX YOUTH AWARDS ❙ APRIL 2021 ■


why she deserves to be an APEX Youth Award nominee. An excellent student with a friendly demeanour, she comes to class with a positive attitude and works hard to achieve to the best of her natural abili- ties. As an advocate for speaking out against depression and anxiety, she has taken her own experiences and put them forward to try to help others. With a passion for creating a safe, inclusive and supportive


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environment for all of her peers,Thiessen has been a leader within Vauxhall High School. She also makes a habit of standing up for what’s right and


won’t judge others for any preconceived notions. “Determined, compassionate, fun-loving, intelligent and cre-


ative are just a few words that come to mind when I think of Susanna.She is someone I know that I can always count on. Whether I need to cry, vent, laugh, or just need someone to be there for me, she is there,”said Samantha Delanoy, a friend of Susanna and a VHS student.“Ask any person in our class and they will tell you that without Susanna, our class would not be the same.Susanna has overcome so much in the last couple of years. She is an inspiration to many, including myself.” In the classroom,Thiessen has impressed teachers and her peers with how hard she works and the results have been


aving overcome more challenges than a typical teenager would, Susanna Thiessen proves each day


incredibly successful. She’s never scared to ask for help when she needs it and she’s always available to do the same for anyone who asks. As an active and leading member of the VHS stu-


dent council,Thiessen has dedicated hours of her time to create fun,engaging and memorable events for the student population. She’s also known for her artistic abilities in all shapes and forms,whether it be with a pen and paper or in the kitchen. “In my ten years of teaching at Vauxhall High School, I have never met a student quite like Susanna and I probably never will,”said Nadine Schellenberg, a teacher at VHS.“She has risen


above and continues to reach toward her dreams including further education and awareness in areas of inclusivity and mental health. Susanna recognizes that health and well-being is a life-long journey and continues to learn many new skills and practices to help her effectively navigate the challenges she faces.” After graduation,Thiessen has her eyes set on attending post-secondary to become an optometrist.


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Susanna Thiessen


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