Vanier's Key Society is composed of a talented group of students chosen for their high academic standing, strong communication skills and demonstrated leadership abilities. Throughout the year, they are given many opportunities to contribute to the life of the college. In the fall and winter semesters, they are often called upon to act as ambassadors at college functions such as Open House and orientation sessions for new students. In the winter semester, working on their own or in small groups, they will undertake a college-wide project, such as an awareness campaign or fundraising event. Not only will the project benefit the student body, but it will also provide Key members with the opportunity to explore issues that concern them in meaningful and creative ways. The success of their projects will rest on the degree of decision making, planning, and commitment the students bring to their projects.
> 2007-2008 Click here to read about the 2007-2008 Vanier Key Society Members.
> 2008-2009 Click here to read about the 2008-2009 Vanier Key Society Members.
Daniel Lewin
My name is Daniel Lewin and I am a dedicated student currently in my third semester in Commerce at Vanier College. After graduating from Vanier College, I plan on pursuing my studies at McGill University in order to obtain a Bachelors degree in Commerce and eventually become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). I spend my time studying, playing sports, going out with friends, learning about various cultures and religions, volunteering and playing the piano. I am an active member of the Vanier Social Justice Committee (VSJC). I speak English, French and Hebrew fluently. I joined the Vanier Key Society in order to contribute to the school's future and advancement. Moreover, I also look at it as an opportunity to network, serve the community and expand my knowledge.
"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." Lou Holtz
Tiffany Dickie
My name is Tiffany Dickie and I am in my final year of Special Care Counselling. This program allows me to learn about the needs of a diverse population from youth with developmental disabilities to older adults with mental illness. Learning and practicing the skills to work with different disabilities is a gateway for my future as a teacher as I feel it is important to teach the student rather than the subject. My hobbies include Irish dancing, coaching softball, and playing guitar. I am also an avid sports fan and follow baseball, football and hockey.
I always found that school is the 'playground' where so many things can happen. For me it represents an opportunity to find friends and provides the opportunity to develop my mind and my critical thoughts. In other words, I am who I am because of school. Life taught me that being proud is never a good thing, lacking friends can lead you nowhere -- we depend on each other's help. I subscribed to this society in order to help myself and help others. The feeling of being useful can bring happiness. I'm the type of person who still finds nature to be perfect and animals (horses) to be amazing. I love art, in its original form (from literature to drawing, to classical music, to modern ballet), and I'm fascinated by some intelligent minds, some of which are here in this college.
Caroline Santos
My name is Caroline Hilario Santos and I am in my third semester in the Commerce program at Vanier College. I am really interested in mathematics, and, for this reason, I plan on studying actuarial sciences at Concordia University. I was born in Laval, but I have a Brazilian background, so I have learned to speak English, French, Portuguese and also Spanish. When I am not studying, you might see me hanging around the college with my friends, or playing soccer with them. I believe that life has so much to offer to each one of us, so that we should make the most with all our opportunities.
My name is Luca Cerasuolo, and I am currently in my third semester of Honours Social Science (Law and Society profile). My ambition is to be either a corporate or family lawyer. When I am not tending to my scholastic affairs, I enjoy playing and watching soccer, reading, and going to the gym. I have joined the Vanier Key Society in order to reciprocate all that this school has generously bestowed upon me up until now, in addition to ensuring the continued positive atmosphere at Vanier College.
Ruth Martinez
Hi, I'm Ruth. I am a Modern Languages student and I'm learning Italian and German. I think learning a language opens your mind to another world. It helps you discover and understand cultures, traditions, lifestyles, and people. I am a music lover, I play and teach piano, and I love dancing all kinds of dances, from ballet to hip-hop. I come from Argentina and it's been six years I am in Montréal. I miss my country a lot and all my family and friends who live there. I like Canada (except for the winter), but I hope that I will have the opportunity to live somewhere else when I'm older, hopefully in Europe, and/or to do exchanges and have enriching experiences in several countries. Next year, I'd like to go to McGill in International Development Studies because I want to contribute to making this world a better place and with less inequality. Tschüss!
It's my third semester in Social Science 3-Math. Vanier is a very warm college, and I absolutely love the teachers here! It's my honour to be part of the Vanier Key Society. I'm looking forward to learning more about team work, communication skills, and leadership. I believe in the importance of giving back to the society, that's why I was excited to apply for the Key Society. My past times are reading, playing the piano, and writing. My nearest goal from now is to study law at McGill University. Although I am not a very organized person (my room is a disaster), my time management skills are great. I never give in projects or homework late. Most of the time I look very serious, but don't worry, I love to laugh! I will give my best with the other members to contribute to the life of the college.
Minaz Shaikh
Hey, I'm Minaz and I am currently enrolled in the Commerce program. I've always had a passion for learning, so when it comes to school I won't always have a grouchy attitude! Some of the many subjects I enjoy studying are: math, history, psychology and geography. As far as a profession goes, I am not exactly sure what kind of a career I want to pursue just yet. When I have some time to myself, you can always find me either curled up reading a book or just relaxing and catching up on a good episode of a favorite television show!
There are many 'Christine Lee's out there. This particular Christine is fascinated by music, especially when it comes to composing and improvising. Usually referred to as Kris, she is a full time musician and poet/writer. Usually active, she loves getting involved in activities like writing articles for the Vanier's school newspaper, Insider, and volunteering as concert director for the anime convention Otakuthon.
Christine is also convinced that if you set your heart to do something, you can definitely achieve it. Her mantra is, "Look forward and never give up!" (These words are actually written in big letters on the wall in her room).
Luciana Occhiuto
My name is Luciana and I am in General Social Science. As for what I would like to do in the future, I'm not sure yet, but I do know that anything is possible if I set my mind to it. Through the trials and tribulations in life, I have learnt that mistakes are inevitable and that you really do learn from them, therefore I do not regret a single thing. I'm a happy, positive and outgoing person. I love to laugh and have a good time with the people that mean the most to me; I truly believe that laughter is the best medicine! I am also a strong advocate for equality. My interests are psychology, anthropology and neurology, and I speak English, French, Italian, and basic Spanish.
Hi, my name is Jessica and I am a social science student that is interested in studying Education. I love to learn and to teach others would be a gratifying experience. I have many passions; sports are one of them. I enjoy soccer, football and hockey. I have been playing soccer for over fourteen years now. One of my favorite things to do is read; it expands my mind and opens my imagination. School is important to me; being in the Vanier Key Society is an honour and I plan to do what I can in helping out this year.
Michael Azakie
Hello! My name is Michael and I am currently in my second year at Vanier in the Social Science program. Although born in Montreal, I am of Lebanese and Syrian descent and take great pride in my Middle Eastern roots. Upon my graduation from Vanier, I intend to attend McGill University to further my studies in law. I feel truly privileged to have been chosen as a member of the Vanier Key Society and hope to make a difference in our community while making friends along the way.
My name is Josh! I love to help others and to support those who are in need and those who are less fortunate than I. I make it a priority of mine to give to and support charities whenever I can and many of the extracurricular activities I have done in all my years of school have been centered on this. I try to be as generous, outgoing, and pleasant as I can every day. I love to learn and I enjoy challenges. I am an avid reader and I do my best to do the daily crosswords in the newspaper. I also love being active and playing almost every sport. I try and run at least three or four times a week to stay in shape. I also run because I find it is an excellent way of relieving stress, and I get a very good and relaxed feeling after most of my runs. If there is one sport I am more passionate about than the others, it is hockey. I have been watching it ever since I can remember, and I love the Montreal Canadiens. Once again, thank you for allowing me to humbly take part in the Vanier Key Society and I am looking forward to a great year!
Mohammad Awada
Hi, my name is Mohammad and I am presently a third semester Commerce student. I was born in Montreal, and last year I came back here by myself to pursue my education. This decision and task was not an easy one, but I also gained much-needed autonomy and experience. Throughout my life, I had the opportunity to live in Kuwait, USA, Ontario and my country of origin Lebanon, which gave me the opportunity to meet a lot of new people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives. My past experiences have helped me develop the interest to meet new people, with different views, which is my main interest in joining the Vanier Key Society. Regarding my interest, politics, economics as well as the stock market and its news are my passion. In the future, I hope to have a job in one of these fields. I aim that through my membership in the Vanier Key Society, I could have the opportunity to make positive contributions in the Vanier community.
I am a Quebec-born Canadian. My heritage as you could see from my name is Polish and I'm proud to be a trilingual speaking citizen. I am a very ambitious, optimistic and enthusiastic person. I have a variety of passions, but traveling and experiencing different cultures are at the top of my list. I love trying different types of foods. Also, sports have played a big role in my life since I was very young. They've taught me that concentration and hard work will always lead to success if your mind is in the right place. The same is true about school.
Dzuy-Tam Tran
Hi, I'm Dzuy-Tam and I'm in my second year in Health Science. I like to take things one step at a time as well as enjoying the good stuff in life. However, I also think that it is important to eventually give back to society. Life can be tough no matter who we are, and a little helping hand here and there can go a long way. What goes around comes around. This is why I volunteer at Montreal General and various events during the year; whatever seems like a good cause and provides me with the opportunity to grow. I am interested in many different fields and am still undecided as to my career orientation although I am pretty sure I will go to university. I joined the Key Society to try and further explore my possibilities, all the while helping others and getting to know different people. All in all, I hope to have a good time and look forward to another great year at Vanier. Cheers!
I am in my third semester in the Honours Health Science program at Vanier College. Not only do I love the sciences, I also love interacting with people and thus, would like to pursue a career that combines both. Because I dislike staying in one place and truly do enjoy exercise, I have played various team and individual sports. I take a strong interest in women's issues, human rights and in other cultures. The following is a quote I live by: "Pain is inevitable; misery is a choice."
George Gao
Imagine yourself a six feet tall Chinese student, currently enrolled in his second year in the Honours Social Science program (Law and Society) at Vanier College and a member of the Vanier Key Society for the year 2009-2010. This student happens to be me. My name is De Zhong Gao, but I would rather prefer that you call me George. I am training for a triathlon and am coordinator of the implementation of Best Buddies, a non-profit organization that helps students with learning disabilities. If you were to ask me to choose one word to best describe myself, I would say altruistic.
Hi, my name is Joanie and I am currently in my third year of the Modern Languages program. Languages are truly a passion for me ever since I have been in elementary school. I first studied English and decided to teach it as second language. Here at Vanier, I study Russian, Spanish and German. In the future, I want to travel and teach in foreign countries to gain more life and work experiences. I want to be able to have a lot of experience in order to be a great teacher for my future students. I like meeting new people and making friends from around the world.
Minh Lien Trinh
Hi, my name is Minh Lien Trinh and I'm studying in Science. My long term goal is to one day become a doctor. I hope some day I will make it in. I am mostly juggling between studying and hanging out with my friends for this semester. Once I graduate and have more time, I would like to spend more time volunteering. Sometimes I might seem a little bit crazy and a little bit clumsy but I believe in being yourself no matter what others might think. The thing I like the most is to smile, laugh, and bring joy and happiness to others.
821 Sainte-Croix, Montréal, Québec Canada H4L 3X9 
514.744.7500 
514.744.7505
Vanier's Key Society is composed of a talented group of students chosen for their high academic standing, strong communication skills and demonstrated leadership abilities. Throughout the year, they are given many opportunities to contribute to the life of the college. In the fall and winter semesters, they are often called upon to act as ambassadors at college functions such as Open House and orientation sessions for new students. In the winter semester, working on their own or in small groups, they will undertake a college-wide project, such as an awareness campaign or fundraising event. Not only will the project benefit the student body, but it will also provide Key members with the opportunity to explore issues that concern them in meaningful and creative ways. The success of their projects will rest on the degree of decision making, planning, and commitment the students bring to their projects.
My name is Daniel Lewin and I am a dedicated student currently in my third semester in Commerce at Vanier College. After graduating from Vanier College, I plan on pursuing my studies at McGill University in order to obtain a Bachelors degree in Commerce and eventually become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). I spend my time studying, playing sports, going out with friends, learning about various cultures and religions, volunteering and playing the piano. I am an active member of the Vanier Social Justice Committee (VSJC). I speak English, French and Hebrew fluently. I joined the Vanier Key Society in order to contribute to the school's future and advancement. Moreover, I also look at it as an opportunity to network, serve the community and expand my knowledge.
My name is Tiffany Dickie and I am in my final year of Special Care Counselling. This program allows me to learn about the needs of a diverse population from youth with developmental disabilities to older adults with mental illness. Learning and practicing the skills to work with different disabilities is a gateway for my future as a teacher as I feel it is important to teach the student rather than the subject. My hobbies include Irish dancing, coaching softball, and playing guitar. I am also an avid sports fan and follow baseball, football and hockey. 
I always found that school is the 'playground' where so many things can happen. For me it represents an opportunity to find friends and provides the opportunity to develop my mind and my critical thoughts. In other words, I am who I am because of school. Life taught me that being proud is never a good thing, lacking friends can lead you nowhere -- we depend on each other's help. I subscribed to this society in order to help myself and help others. The feeling of being useful can bring happiness. I'm the type of person who still finds nature to be perfect and animals (horses) to be amazing. I love art, in its original form (from literature to drawing, to classical music, to modern ballet), and I'm fascinated by some intelligent minds, some of which are here in this college.
My name is Caroline Hilario Santos and I am in my third semester in the Commerce program at Vanier College. I am really interested in mathematics, and, for this reason, I plan on studying actuarial sciences at Concordia University. I was born in Laval, but I have a Brazilian background, so I have learned to speak English, French, Portuguese and also Spanish. When I am not studying, you might see me hanging around the college with my friends, or playing soccer with them. I believe that life has so much to offer to each one of us, so that we should make the most with all our opportunities.
My name is Luca Cerasuolo, and I am currently in my third semester of Honours Social Science (Law and Society profile). My ambition is to be either a corporate or family lawyer. When I am not tending to my scholastic affairs, I enjoy playing and watching soccer, reading, and going to the gym. I have joined the Vanier Key Society in order to reciprocate all that this school has generously bestowed upon me up until now, in addition to ensuring the continued positive atmosphere at Vanier College. 
Hi, I'm Ruth. I am a Modern Languages student and I'm learning Italian and German. I think learning a language opens your mind to another world. It helps you discover and understand cultures, traditions, lifestyles, and people. I am a music lover, I play and teach piano, and I love dancing all kinds of dances, from ballet to hip-hop. I come from Argentina and it's been six years I am in Montréal. I miss my country a lot and all my family and friends who live there. I like Canada (except for the winter), but I hope that I will have the opportunity to live somewhere else when I'm older, hopefully in Europe, and/or to do exchanges and have enriching experiences in several countries. Next year, I'd like to go to McGill in International Development Studies because I want to contribute to making this world a better place and with less inequality. Tschüss!
It's my third semester in Social Science 3-Math. Vanier is a very warm college, and I absolutely love the teachers here! It's my honour to be part of the Vanier Key Society. I'm looking forward to learning more about team work, communication skills, and leadership. I believe in the importance of giving back to the society, that's why I was excited to apply for the Key Society. My past times are reading, playing the piano, and writing. My nearest goal from now is to study law at McGill University. Although I am not a very organized person (my room is a disaster), my time management skills are great. I never give in projects or homework late. Most of the time I look very serious, but don't worry, I love to laugh! I will give my best with the other members to contribute to the life of the college.
Hey, I'm Minaz and I am currently enrolled in the Commerce program. I've always had a passion for learning, so when it comes to school I won't always have a grouchy attitude! Some of the many subjects I enjoy studying are: math, history, psychology and geography. As far as a profession goes, I am not exactly sure what kind of a career I want to pursue just yet. When I have some time to myself, you can always find me either curled up reading a book or just relaxing and catching up on a good episode of a favorite television show! 
There are many 'Christine Lee's out there. This particular Christine is fascinated by music, especially when it comes to composing and improvising. Usually referred to as Kris, she is a full time musician and poet/writer. Usually active, she loves getting involved in activities like writing articles for the Vanier's school newspaper, Insider, and volunteering as concert director for the anime convention Otakuthon.
Christine is also convinced that if you set your heart to do something, you can definitely achieve it. Her mantra is, "Look forward and never give up!" (These words are actually written in big letters on the wall in her room).
My name is Luciana and I am in General Social Science. As for what I would like to do in the future, I'm not sure yet, but I do know that anything is possible if I set my mind to it. Through the trials and tribulations in life, I have learnt that mistakes are inevitable and that you really do learn from them, therefore I do not regret a single thing. I'm a happy, positive and outgoing person. I love to laugh and have a good time with the people that mean the most to me; I truly believe that laughter is the best medicine! I am also a strong advocate for equality. My interests are psychology, anthropology and neurology, and I speak English, French, Italian, and basic Spanish.
Hi, my name is Jessica and I am a social science student that is interested in studying Education. I love to learn and to teach others would be a gratifying experience. I have many passions; sports are one of them. I enjoy soccer, football and hockey. I have been playing soccer for over fourteen years now. One of my favorite things to do is read; it expands my mind and opens my imagination. School is important to me; being in the Vanier Key Society is an honour and I plan to do what I can in helping out this year. 
Hello! My name is Michael and I am currently in my second year at Vanier in the Social Science program. Although born in Montreal, I am of Lebanese and Syrian descent and take great pride in my Middle Eastern roots. Upon my graduation from Vanier, I intend to attend McGill University to further my studies in law. I feel truly privileged to have been chosen as a member of the Vanier Key Society and hope to make a difference in our community while making friends along the way.
My name is Josh! I love to help others and to support those who are in need and those who are less fortunate than I. I make it a priority of mine to give to and support charities whenever I can and many of the extracurricular activities I have done in all my years of school have been centered on this. I try to be as generous, outgoing, and pleasant as I can every day. I love to learn and I enjoy challenges. I am an avid reader and I do my best to do the daily crosswords in the newspaper. I also love being active and playing almost every sport. I try and run at least three or four times a week to stay in shape. I also run because I find it is an excellent way of relieving stress, and I get a very good and relaxed feeling after most of my runs. If there is one sport I am more passionate about than the others, it is hockey. I have been watching it ever since I can remember, and I love the Montreal Canadiens. Once again, thank you for allowing me to humbly take part in the Vanier Key Society and I am looking forward to a great year!
Hi, my name is Mohammad and I am presently a third semester Commerce student. I was born in Montreal, and last year I came back here by myself to pursue my education. This decision and task was not an easy one, but I also gained much-needed autonomy and experience. Throughout my life, I had the opportunity to live in Kuwait, USA, Ontario and my country of origin Lebanon, which gave me the opportunity to meet a lot of new people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives. My past experiences have helped me develop the interest to meet new people, with different views, which is my main interest in joining the Vanier Key Society. Regarding my interest, politics, economics as well as the stock market and its news are my passion. In the future, I hope to have a job in one of these fields. I aim that through my membership in the Vanier Key Society, I could have the opportunity to make positive contributions in the Vanier community.
I am a Quebec-born Canadian. My heritage as you could see from my name is Polish and I'm proud to be a trilingual speaking citizen. I am a very ambitious, optimistic and enthusiastic person. I have a variety of passions, but traveling and experiencing different cultures are at the top of my list. I love trying different types of foods. Also, sports have played a big role in my life since I was very young. They've taught me that concentration and hard work will always lead to success if your mind is in the right place. The same is true about school.
Hi, I'm Dzuy-Tam and I'm in my second year in Health Science. I like to take things one step at a time as well as enjoying the good stuff in life. However, I also think that it is important to eventually give back to society. Life can be tough no matter who we are, and a little helping hand here and there can go a long way. What goes around comes around. This is why I volunteer at Montreal General and various events during the year; whatever seems like a good cause and provides me with the opportunity to grow. I am interested in many different fields and am still undecided as to my career orientation although I am pretty sure I will go to university. I joined the Key Society to try and further explore my possibilities, all the while helping others and getting to know different people. All in all, I hope to have a good time and look forward to another great year at Vanier. Cheers!
I am in my third semester in the Honours Health Science program at Vanier College. Not only do I love the sciences, I also love interacting with people and thus, would like to pursue a career that combines both. Because I dislike staying in one place and truly do enjoy exercise, I have played various team and individual sports. I take a strong interest in women's issues, human rights and in other cultures. The following is a quote I live by: "Pain is inevitable; misery is a choice."
Imagine yourself a six feet tall Chinese student, currently enrolled in his second year in the Honours Social Science program (Law and Society) at Vanier College and a member of the Vanier Key Society for the year 2009-2010. This student happens to be me. My name is De Zhong Gao, but I would rather prefer that you call me George. I am training for a triathlon and am coordinator of the implementation of Best Buddies, a non-profit organization that helps students with learning disabilities. If you were to ask me to choose one word to best describe myself, I would say altruistic. 
Hi, my name is Joanie and I am currently in my third year of the Modern Languages program. Languages are truly a passion for me ever since I have been in elementary school. I first studied English and decided to teach it as second language. Here at Vanier, I study Russian, Spanish and German. In the future, I want to travel and teach in foreign countries to gain more life and work experiences. I want to be able to have a lot of experience in order to be a great teacher for my future students. I like meeting new people and making friends from around the world.
Hi, my name is Minh Lien Trinh and I'm studying in Science. My long term goal is to one day become a doctor. I hope some day I will make it in. I am mostly juggling between studying and hanging out with my friends for this semester. Once I graduate and have more time, I would like to spend more time volunteering. Sometimes I might seem a little bit crazy and a little bit clumsy but I believe in being yourself no matter what others might think. The thing I like the most is to smile, laugh, and bring joy and happiness to others.