Gereb is Halton's top student

Whether it’s studying physics, her toughest subject, or being a member of the “Ecosaders,” Assumption High School student Eszter Gereb says she likes to challenge herself in everything she does.

Gereb, 17, graduated as Halton Catholic District School Board’s top student with an average of 97.2 per cent.

The Burlington, Ont., student hopes to add physicist to her list of accomplishments. Gereb said she found physics to be her most difficult subject, but adds it also turned out to be her favourite.

“I feel that it is challenging enough,” she said, adding that her teacher engaged the class and students which made the subject enjoyable.

For her routine, Gereb allots three hours daily and another five hours over the weekend for study.

As for the “Ecosaders,” the group helped the school achieve a silver certification as an EcoSchool by encouraging environmentally friendly practices such as starting a recycling program. Gereb said she joined the club because she wanted to do her part to try to lead a sustainable lifestyle.

Halton's top scholars Eszter Gereb, Assumption (Burlington), 97.2% Samantha Pettinato, St. Ignatius of Loyola (Oakville), 96.93% Brittany Rose Gillies, Holy Trinity (Oakville), 95.40% Sarah (Jung Hyun) Park, Notre Dame (Burlington), 95.40% Gerasimos Angelatos, Corpus Christi (Burlington), 94.94% Zoha Zahid, Bishop Reding Secondary (Milton), 94.57% Corey Boire, Christ the King (Georgetown), 94% Caileigh Dawn Gruner, St. Thomas Aquinas (Oakville), 93.188%

This year, with the Ecosaders’ leadership, the school also held the first student-run eco conference at the Halton Catholic board.

At Assumption, Gereb volunteers with the prefect program, a mentorship program linking students in the older age groups with younger students. The program seeks to form Christian role models who lead retreats, help with school Masses and morning prayer.

Her Catholic education has been helpful, she said, because all of her courses had an “ethical focus.”

Gereb named her parents and teacher moderator of the Ecosaders, Tina Di Clemente, as her mentors.

“If you are struggling with a question, (Di Clemente) sits down and ponders it with you,” Gereb said.

“She is so caring and compassionate. She’s inspired me to be like her.”