But Marrello widened his focus beyond just studies, juggling extra-curriculars like being captain of Bishop Allen’s “Reach for the Top” team, peer tutoring, swimming, volunteering at a seniors’ residence and participating in the Great Canadian Geography Challenge, where he placed second in Ontario and fourth in Canada.
Another key to success is focus, he said.
“If you stay focused, you can do things a lot faster than you (did) before,” Marrello explained.
During the weekend, Marrello kept up his studying schedule, but still found time to attend Italian language classes on Saturdays while playing hockey on Sundays.
Marrello said he didn’t really have a favourite subject in high school but said he’s naturally curious about many things.
“I think it’s important to love learning across the board (and want to) become a better person,” he said.
From Bishop Allen Academy, he says he learned valuable lessons.
“Teachers are there to help you. School isn’t scary. School should be fun.”
As for what he will miss about his high school years, Marrello spoke of his classmates and friends.
“(They) were really supportive and created a great learning environment with their curiosity,” he said, adding that teachers and school staff were “nurturing.”
On his future goals, Marrello muses that he might want to study business, although he plans to continue studying math, social science and English. This might lead to a career in academia, he said, because of his love of learning and teaching.
Meanwhile, Marrello counted his parents among his role models because of their “great work ethic.” His father, Ferdinando, is a teacher and attributes his son’s success to his balanced perspective on school and life.
“Family comes first,” he said. “Academic is secondary. Family and the spiritual component is the basis of people becoming successful.”
Although there wasn’t pressure on Marrello and his younger brother to get perfect marks, his father said there were “very high expectations” for his children.
“All we ask of them is to do their best and pursue what they love doing,” he said.
Passion to learn, dedication lead to perfect marks
By Sheila Dabu Nonato, The Catholic RegisterTORONTO - For top scholar David Marrello, the secret to a perfect report card is rooted in a passion for learning and dedication to his work.
Marrello capped his high school career at Toronto’s Bishop Allen Academy by earning a perfect 100 per cent in all of his classes (Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, Chemistry, Economics, English, Physics and Religion) for the 2010-11 school year.
From here he moves on to post-secondary studies at York University’s Schulich School of Business this September. He earned York’s President’s Scholarship Award for his high school accomplishments.
Marrello divulged one of the secrets to his success.
“I believe in quality over quantity,” he said.
On homework, Marrello spent from two to four hours every day, keeping an 8 p.m. curfew on studying.
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