High-Achieving Students Inspired to Live a Life of Perseverance, Passion & Purpose!
May 7, 2011 (Vaughan, ON) – A crowd of more than 60 high-achieving Grade 4 to Grade 12 students and their families were addressed by Richard Hoshino, Post-Doctoral Fellow with the National Institute of Informatics in Tokyo, Japan, at Kumon Canada’s 2nd Annual Program Completers Celebration. Among the local VIPs in attendance was Vaughan’s Ward 4 Councillor, Sandra Yeung Racco.
The Program Completers Celebration recognized the hard work, dedication and success of students who have completed the entire Kumon Program, consisting of a complete and carefully planned curriculum from preschool all the way up to university. Of the more than 50,000 Kumon students in Canada, 387 students completed the program in 2010 – with 234 of those completers from Ontario.
Hoshino, son of a Kumon Instructor with over 25 years of experience and a former Kumon program completer himself, delivered an inspirational presentation, encouraging students to continue to set high expectations for themselves and to choose a life of passion and purpose. As part of his message to the students, Hoshino quoted George Bernard Shaw, “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.” He encouraged the attendees to consider what he calls a challenging “roller-coaster” versus a comfortable “merry-go-round” existence.
“These young people are or will be approaching an important juncture in their lives. Completing the Kumon program has helped them develop perseverance, confidence and other skills that will help them move on to even greater things. My wish for them is that they follow their passions and seek a life of purpose,” Hoshino expressed his heartfelt sentiments.
Hoshino is also a contributor to Notes from Canada’s Young Activists: A Generation Stands Up for Change, a collection of short essays and articles from 25 young people – including Craig Kielburger, co-founder of Me to We and founder of Free the Children - who were and continue to be determined to make a significant positive difference in the world. Richard presented and signed copies of the book for students as a keepsake from the event.
Kumon - the world’s largest after-school math and reading program and founded in Japan more than 50 years ago -helps children fulfill their potential by motivating them to achieve more on their own.
For additional information contact:
Lauren Martin, Kumon Canada
Tel : 800.ABC.MATH (222.6284)
Email : lmartin@kumon.com
About Kumon
Kumon [kōō-mŏn] is the world's largest after-school math and reading enrichment program. Kumon unlocks the potential of children so they can achieve more on their own. It allows students of all ages and abilities to build the skills necessary to have a richer, more successful educational experience. Kumon gives children the tools to unlock their true potential, succeed in the classroom and beyond, build a love of learning, and the motivation to learn on their own. By helping to build self-confidence, Kumon leaves children feeling empowered with the desire to achieve more on their own. Kumon Canada is currently supporting the academic journeys of more than 50,000 students at 330 centres across the country. More information is available at www.kumon.ca or by calling 1-800-ABC-MATH (222-6284).
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