Pop star Lady Gaga says in her song, ‘Just Dance’.
That was Mary Song’s strategy to give back to her community - Just Dance.
Mary, a grade-eleven student attending Dr. Norman Bethune CI, is a truly gifted young woman – both academically and personally. Through hard work and determination, Mary maintains an academic average of 90% and volunteers more than 400 hours to help others’ in need. Enrolled in the STELLAR Enrichment Program at her school, Mary developed a strong interest in mathematics and science but insists dance is closely attached to her life.
Mary describes dance as “the building block that shapes an individual and the key that unlocks opportunities”. She has spent countless hours volunteering at the Orient Dance Company of Toronto and has performed at various fundraising activities, including one for victims of the Sichuan earthquake. Mary also participated in the “Bethune Got Dance” event held at her school, designed to raise money for children to attend school in Africa.
Mary’s efforts have not gone unnoticed; she has successfully shaken and shimmied her way into receiving two volunteer awards from the Canadian government, including the Youth Ontario Volunteer Award. In 2008, Mary received one of twenty Canada Day Youth Awards recognizing her outstanding achievements and contributions to the community. She is also a two-time recipient of the Youth Leadership Award presented to her by the Toronto Community and Culture Centre.
Mary shares with the world an extraordinary work ethic wrapped up in grace, strength, compassion, and courage. Possessing overseas training in Chinese traditional dance, Mary has played an active role in representing her roots. Just recently, she organized a group of Bethune students to attend an educational workshop on the Chinese Head Tax issue as part of the Youth Leadership Program. Mary’s contributions were recognized by two prominent Chinese newspapers.
Hardworking and inspiring, Mary continues to dance to the rhythm of her community.
