Student earns Human Rights Ambassador Award

Markham student Keyao Tang of Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School is among four recipients of the York Region District School Board’s Human Rights Ambassador Award.

The Board’s Human Rights Office award recognizes students who made exceptional contributions to advancing the principles of human rights, equality, diversity and anti-discrimination in their schools during the 2024-2025 school year.

Keyao, equity chair of the Trudeau Student Activity Council (TSAC), is recognized for advocating for inclusive language, culturally-specific celebrations and accessibility in school events. She led Love Week, celebrating global social justice advancements and collaborated with identity-affirming clubs to foster belonging for diverse students.

She also actively promoted the inclusion of Community Class students in TSAC events by liaising with teachers to ensure accessibility, such as scheduling less crowded participation times and aligning activities with students’ interests and motor skills. Additionally, Keyao is developing a student-friendly video to explain Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and challenge stigma, using peer influence to reduce ableism in the school community.

Fellow 2025 Human Rights Ambassador Award recipients are Darleen Julman of Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School in Thornhill, Shariah Golding of Huron Heights Secondary School (S.S.) in Newmarket and Hamza Khokhawala of Dr. G. W. Williams S.S. in Aurora. The students were celebrated for their dedication to inclusion and respect for all at the Board’s annual celebration.

A video and summary of each student’s accomplishments is available on the Board website at www2.yrdsb.ca.

Photo (l-r): Shariah Golding, Keyao Tang, Darleen Julman and Hamza Khokhawala. (YRDSB photo)