The Governor General’s Academic Medal recipients for the 2024-25 school year were celebrated at the October public meeting of the Burnaby Board of Education. The eight Burnaby Schools graduates earned the prestigious award for having the highest grade-point average at their school.
Created more than 150 years ago in 1873, one award goes to each top graduate at every high school in Canada.
School principals shared details about each student’s incredible achievements at the Board meeting. What follows are their remarks.
Sadie Dellebuur O’Connor, École Alpha Secondary
Sadie is the true definition of a well-rounded student. Her dedication to academic excellence was evident in her consistent achievement across all subjects, achieving an impressive 98.6% Grade Point Average in courses ranging from Theatre and Textiles to Chemistry and AP Microeconomics. As a result, she was the recipient of the $40,000 SFU Scholars Entrance Scholarship.
Beyond the classroom, Sadie shone in the performing arts, where her talent and passion captivated audiences for the school productions of Our Town, Clue, The Little Shop of Horrors and the annual Winter Cabaret. In all of these productions, Sadie took the time to mentor junior students. She even used her spare in Grade 12 to support a Drama 8 class. As a Co-Editor in Chief of the yearbook, she demonstrated exceptional and conscientious leadership – encouraging creativity, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring every voice was represented. Sadie’s ability to balance her own academic and extra-curricular pursuits, while uplifting all those around her, made her a standout student and an inspiring role model to her peers.
Sadie is one of those people who brings light into a room with her bright smile and genuine kindness and compassion for others. We are proud to have her represent Alpha this year as she attends Simon Fraser University, and as our recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal for 2025.
~ Principal Victoria Lee
Matthew Enns, Burnaby Central Secondary
It is my pleasure to introduce Matthew Enns as the Governor General’s Award recipient for Burnaby Central Secondary school for the 2024–25 school year. Matthew is an exceptional academic student who also possesses outstanding interpersonal skills and is fully deserving of this prestigious honour.
To help further describe Matthew, I asked a few of his teachers for their insights. They shared the following:
Ms. Felice Joliffe remembers Matthew in Law 12 as an extremely attentive student who contributed insightful observations, arrived at mature and reasoned conclusions, and consistently submitted articulate case analyses.
Mr. Eric Byman wrote:
“I taught Matthew in senior Physics, and he was a focused and determined student, but he was also engaging and had a great sense of humour. I wish him nothing but the best in his future.”
Ms. Kelly Payne stated:
“Matthew has always been an exceptional English student, earning academic achievement awards throughout his high school career, including the English First Peoples 12 Excellence Award. Matthew demonstrated a clear passion for reading and writing, exemplifying the power of language—not just as a tool for expression, but as a force for understanding, healing, and change.”
And finally, Mr. White shared:
“We are so proud of Matthew Enns. He was our Music program’s Lighthouse Award winner this past year—representing leadership and dedication in our program. As a Lighthouse Award recipient, he was involved in numerous ensembles: Concert Band, Jazz Band, Concert Choir, Men’s Choir, and Chamber Choir. In addition, he accompanied the choir on piano. Matthew is a very thoughtful musician and an excellent ambassador for our school and our music program. Congratulations, Matthew!”
Matthew was a valued member of Burnaby Central’s Concert Band and Jazz Band for all five years, during which he formed many strong relationships with both teachers and fellow students.
He is known not only as an extremely well-rounded student, but also as someone with a keen desire to give back to his peers and the larger community. Matthew was Co-President of Central’s Environment Club in Grade 11 and was also an active member of Music Leadership during his time at Burnaby Central.
Currently, Matthew is studying at the University of British Columbia, working towards a Bachelor of Applied Science. He shared with me that his goal is to work with cutting-edge technology to create a sustainable difference in our province and beyond.
I am confident that, whatever path Matthew chooses in the future, he will achieve extraordinary success. His teachers at Central wish him all the best, and we look forward to hearing about his future accomplishments as a proud Burnaby Central alumnus.
Congratulations Matthew and “Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!”
~ Principal Tim Wozney
Janet Zhao, Burnaby Mountain Secondary
I am pleased to introduce you to Janet Zhao – the 2025 recipient of the Governor General’s Award for Burnaby Mountain Secondary School. Janet is a truly remarkable student and leader. She graduated from Burnaby Mountain with an average mark of 99.8% and completed an astonishing 31 Grade 11 and 12 classes (the average is 16!)
Outside of the classroom, Janet was the Treasurer of our Student Council, the President of the Good Guys Club – where she coordinated 200 peers in raising $4000 and making 5000 sandwiches for the unhoused, the Executive Editor of the Yearbook Committee, and the Captain of the school badminton team. Janet also participated in student research at St. Paul’s Hospital where she learned about molecular biology techniques, biobanking, and pathology.
Janet is currently studying at the University of British Columbia in the Faculty of Science, with plans to major in either Cellular, Anatomical, and Physiological Sciences (CAPS) or Neuroscience and minor in Mathematics.
We are incredibly proud of Janet and grateful to have worked with her during her time at Burnaby Mountain. Congratulations Janet!
~ Principal David Rawnsley
Kayla Liu, Burnaby North Secondary
I am proud to recognize Kayla Liu as the 2025 Governor General Award recipient for Burnaby North Secondary. Kayla was an exceptionally well-rounded student and role model at North. Mr. Sokugawa, our Student Government teacher, shared that as Student Government President, “Kayla was a true leader at North. She led by example for other students by taking the time to mentor and encourage her classmates. Kayla always demonstrated a positive attitude – even when faced with adversity or a challenging situation. Kayla’s maturity, composure, and ability were instrumental in contributing to a positive environment for students at North.”
When I spoke to Kayla about her time at North, she commented that a highlight was being school Student Government President. In addition to taking a robust and diverse course load Kayla valued her participation in the Mentorship program, the Athletics Council, and Ultimate Team. I personally enjoyed meeting with and learning from Kayla and our Student Government Executive every Wednesday at School Caucus. Her ability to advocate and organize student events was of great benefit to our school.
Kayla is currently pursuing her post-secondary studies in Health Sciences at Queens University in Ontario. At North, she was recognized with the Viking Awards for Leadership and Mentorship.
I also want to acknowledge Kayla who is watching tonight online from Ontario and her parents, Lisa and Lawrence, who are in attendance tonight supporting Kayla’s recognition.
Congratulations Kayla from all of us at Burnaby North!
~ Principal Curtis Hodgson
Alexander Fu, Burnaby South Secondary
I am pleased to present Alexander Fu, Burnaby South’s 2025 Governor General’s Award Winner.
Alexander was a phenomenal academic student, enrolling in many AP and Honours courses while attending Burnaby South. His efforts garnered him the title of AP Scholar with Distinction. Alexander achieved an overall academic average of 98.2% amongst all his Grade 11 and 12 courses and scored 100% in seven of his senior level courses. In addition to his outstanding academic results, Alexander also gave back to the school community. Since grade 10, he has been an active member of the Burnaby South Scientific Writing Club and became the club’s President in Grade 12. There, he organized weekly meetings for club participants to research scientific topics and produce collaborative research articles with the goal of encouraging young people to have interest in STEM fields.
Looking back at his Burnaby South Rebel experience, Alexander was super grateful for all the amazing friendships that he had built and the opportunity to take such a wide range of AP course offerings. In addition to taking academic courses, Alexander also enjoyed enrolling in South’s Peer Tutoring class. Being a peer tutor allowed Alexander to connect with many younger students of different backgrounds, which helped him develop into a more empathetic and open-minded human being.
Alexander was awarded scholarships valued at over $14,000 to two major Canadian universities and in the end decided to enroll at the University of British Columbia. His current goal is to graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science degree with an Honours math designation before going on to pursue further graduate studies.
Mr. Marzouk, South’s Math Department Head and one of Alexander’s favourite teachers said this about Alexander:
One of Alexander’s most outstanding characteristics is his quiet determination and his ability to work collaboratively to solve complex problems. While thoughtful, he shows no hesitation in voicing insightful questions and ideas. He was a valued participant in class discussions, and his thoughtful contributions often helped elevate the understanding of his peers. He is a talented, kind, and intelligent student who has a clear sense of direction and purpose.
I have no doubt that he will be making positive contributions at UBC, just as he has made positive and lasting contributions at Burnaby South. We are very proud to call him a Burnaby South Rebel, and our 2025 Governor General Award winner!
~ Principal Effie Aadland
Lukas Gonzalez, Byrne Creek Community School
It is my great pleasure to share that Lukas Gonzalez is Byrne Creek Community School’s 2024-25 Governor General Award recipient.
Like all Governor General Award recipients, Lukas is an exceptional young scholar. However, I have never seen an academic transcript like Lukas’s. He received a perfect 100% in every single one of his courses at Byrne Creek in grade 10, grade 11, and in grade 12, including AP Courses. On all his Provincial Assessments he scored a perfect 4/4. Remarkable.
Lukas is now at UBC studying history where he wants to study the past so he can change the future. He believes that the challenges of adolescence have given him the skills to navigate the challenges of post-secondary and life beyond school. I have no doubt that Lukas will be an outstanding Byrne Creek alumnus who makes a difference in our world.
~ Principal Ben Paré
Owen Kerr, École Cariboo Hill
It is my honour to recognize Owen Kerr as this year’s recipient of the Governor General’s Award for École Cariboo Hill Secondary. Owen’s hard work and dedication have led him to achieve an incredible 4.0 GPA in all his sixteen senior academic courses. On top of this, he challenged himself with three AP courses and earned the title of AP Scholar for taking all three exams and scoring a 4 or higher. But what truly sets Owen apart is how he balanced his academics with so many other passions and how he takes on new challenges. Whether showing sportsmanship and determination on the Senior Boys Rugby team, bringing characters to life on stage with our Theatre Company, or working behind the scenes with technical expertise, Owen has been a vibrant and committed member of our school community. Owen is an incredibly humble person who never wanted congratulations for any of his achievements. He is kind, respectful and celebrated others on a regular basis.
This fall, Owen begins an exciting journey at the University of British Columbia, where he is studying Law, Psychology, and Music, with the goal of one day becoming a lawyer specializing in music law. We know Owen will continue to inspire others with his creativity, compassion, and drive, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate all that he has achieved.
~ Principal Chris Sandor
Mahyar Pirayesh-Faraji, École Moscrop Secondary
Mahyar encompasses the many qualities of a Governor General Academic Medal recipient. In Mahyar’s time at École Moscrop, he dedicated much effort to the school community and community-at-large. In addition to academic excellence, he was active in extracurricular activities, demonstrating many leadership qualities.
In his Grade 11 and 12 years, Mahyar completed a total of 112 credits in full-time courses, achieving a 4.0 GPA average in his top academic course load, many of which were Advanced Placement courses. Having consistently achieved Principal’s List standing, Mahyar was also a Gold Cord recipient and the recipient of the Burnaby Teachers’ Association Scholarship.
Mahyar’s academic passions garnered recognition in community spaces. On his list of many achievements was an invitation to participate in the Young Engineers and Scientists (YES!) program, a six-week Fellowship offered by TRIUMF to select graduating high school students pursuing STEM-related fields.
In addition to Mahyar’s clear sense of purpose, it is apparent that he also places incredible value on community. Outside of academics, Mahyar gave back to community through involvement with Canadian Math Challengers Society, BC Math, and mentoring elementary school-aged participants at a number of elementary schools.
Mahyar is currently attending University of British Columbia studying Engineering. He aspires to pursue a degree in engineering to “make our world a better place.”
~ Principal Andy Chin
Read the Story in Freshet News
Posted October 2025