Headshot of Maia Simmons.

Maia Simmons

2024

Syracuse University

Havergal has been a transformational experience for Maia, who has developed a strong sense of self since joining the school in Junior Kindergarten. “I’ve learned that if you don’t define what success looks like for yourself, you’ll never achieve it,” she explains. Maia discovered her leadership abilities as a House Leader in Grade 6, which helped to foster her love of House and later led her to be elected as a House Captain in Grade 12. Over the years, she was also the Captain of the Rowing Team, the Club Head for the Ocean Awareness Club and a member of the school choir, Diversity Committee, Truth and Reconciliation Committee and Sustainability Committee. Maia was diagnosed with learning differences as a Junior School student and, throughout the years, worked with learning support specialists who helped her gain confidence in her academic abilities. These experiences inspired her to study Elementary Inclusive Education, with a minor in Public Policy, at Syracuse University, where she is the only Canadian to be the recipient of the distinguished Leadership Scholarship. “My goal is to make a significant difference in people’s lives by helping them realize their capabilities and helping them develop confidence in who they are.”