Headships to Be: Curtis Li '23 and Ellie Deegan '23

In the final moments before the Headship announcement, Curtis Li ‘23 and Ellie Deegan ‘23 were filled with anxiety. Leading up to this point, they had engaged in interviews, meet and greets, poster-making, and speeches. Like all running candidates, they had put their hearts into their ideas and became so invested in convincing Greenwood of their dedication to the betterment of this school. And in one sentence, it was all over. Curtis and Ellie learned that they’d won. 

“It’s all very exciting,” Curtis explains, “but after all the congratulations, you realise the responsibility that has just been placed on you.” For the 2022-2023 school year, Curtis and Ellie will be the leaders and faces of Greenwood’s student body. Their role involves working with the Student Council,  implementing their initiatives, and being involved in the majority of school engagements. It is a role of great prestige and importance. 

During my discussion with Ellie and Curtis, despite the new weight on their shoulders, both held themselves high and spoke confidently. They attribute their general relaxed attitude to the supportive Greenwood community. “I think our community respects the fact that we are putting ourselves out there,” Ellie stated. 

To prepare for such a role, the two future leaders had to undergo great preparation to hone their skills and gain confidence. Halfway through her elementary school years, Ellie moved to Montreal. She didn’t speak a word of French and was attending a school that spent half the day in the foreign language. “That language shock forced me to build perseverance and forget about what others think,” she explains. In moving back to Toronto three years later, Ellie experienced that same culture shock. She had learned to be a Montrealer, and going back to her old life once again forced her to persevere. She chose to hit the ground running. In Grade 9, she became the grade's Student Council rep and, later on, began her own Debate Club with Ruby McEvily ‘23.

Curtis believes that his skills grew mainly from his experiences at Greenwood. Joining DECA (a student club focused on building skills in business), competing in the Business Case competition (which his team won in the first semester), and joining the Debate Club helped him gain confidence. He also notes that Debate Club helped him with his public speaking abilities.

In the last few months of the current school year, Curtis and Ellie have the chance to reflect on this year, plan for next year, and connect with the people of Greenwood. “We’ve really been taking this time to explore our ideas, new and old,” Curtis states. Younger grades often meet them in the halls, all excited to talk to their future leaders. Both headship-elects love the opportunity to meet everyone. 

This year is ending quickly. Although they recognize the fast approaching responsibilities, the headships-to-be can't be more excited to take on their new roles and become leaders for all of Greenwood.