To be the best, learn from the best

To be the best, learn from the best

The Graduate: Ezekiel Alexis Carpio

By Catherine Carpio

Ezekiel Alexis Carpio is one of the 2024 High School graduates of Senator O’Connor College School (OCS). OCS is part of the Toronto Catholic District School Board that serves a diverse population and is recognized for its high academic expectations and lively school spirit.

“High school was an extraordinary experience. I had the opportunity to participate in leadership workshops and attended monthly Catholic Student Leadership Impact Team meetings at the TCDSB Head Office where I was acquainted with many leaders in various positions across the school board. From here I honed my leadership skills and made connections with leaders who also acted as my mentors,” he said. His enthusiasm for sports continued to burn within him. He was one of the selected student athletes to represent his school on both the Boys Basketball and Boys Volleyball teams.

In the summer of 2021, Ezekiel and his family moved further east to the city of  Oshawa. The commute from his new home to his school in Toronto was a new hurdle that he had to overcome. He was able to adapt and found ways to manage his time efficiently. The distance didn’t stop him from participating in extracurricular activities. After school, he spent most of his time at the library while he attended night and online class, before travelling home.

In the eleventh grade, he joined his school’s Specialist High Skills Major program (SHSM) specializing in sports. “Throughout my grade eleven and twelve years I would complete a series of certifications and training courses to become a specialist in my selected field. This includes CPR, Athletic Taping and Wrapping, among others”, he shared. Completion of the SHSM program included receiving his certification as an Ontario Volleyball Referee.

In the summer of 2023, Ezekiel Alexis was selected to participate in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics Design (STEAM-D) program of the University of Toronto. “The opportunity of participating in this program through interactive sessions led by medical doctors, graduate students, researchers, and practitioners was a remarkable experience. It helped me better understand the importance of designing solutions to healthcare system issues and fueled my passion for health sciences,” he revealed. His group project titled, “BioMimic” won the 1st Prize.  “BioMimic is a set of 3D-printed educational medical devices designed to revolutionize Biology. It offers synthetic animal and organ models for dissections, providing a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional methods,” he elaborated.

“None of my achievements would have been possible without the love and support of my family, my friends and God. Thanks to the continuous and unconditional support and guidance of my parents, I graduated as an Ontario Scholar and with Specialist High Skills Major certification in Sports,” he declared.

Ezekiel Alexis will continue his academic journey and his sports drive at the University of Toronto St. George campus. “I believe that to be the best, you must learn from the best,” he exclaimed. The Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto is regarded as one the premier programs for Kinesiology worldwide being ranked 1st in Canada and top 5 worldwide. “After earning my degree in Kinesiology, I hope to pursue a masteral degree in Physiotherapy, which will help me get closer to my goal of making sports medicine and rehabilitation accessible to all those in need.”