Vic Student and Alumnus Honoured with King Charles III Medal
L-R: Vanessa Wang and Abhay Singh Sachal
By Samantha Chater
Two members of the Victoria College community have received the King Charles III Coronation Medal. The medal commemorates Charles’ coronation as King of Canada and honours Canadians who have made a meaningful impact.
Alumnus Abhay Singh Sachal Vic 2T3 received the award for his work in community-building and environmental advocacy. While he was in high school, he founded the non-profit organization Break The Divide, which connects and educates youth across Canada on climate change, mental health and social justice.
“I was incredibly honoured to receive the medal, especially because I was nominated by Sukh Dhaliwal, my hometown MP in Surrey, B.C.,” he said. “This recognition reflects the communities I’ve been a part of—from Surrey to Toronto to Regina—and how we can create meaningful change together.”
Sachal earned a double major in Global Health and the Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies. During his studies frequent conversations with classmates, faculty and staff helped shape his views on leadership and community.
“Those conversations pushed me to think differently,” he said. He later co-founded RealTalk, a student club at Vic that created space for dialogue on polarizing issues.
“The Vic community is kind and smart,” Sachal said. “It was a space that encouraged ideas and helped me think about my role in creating change.”
He is now pursuing a master’s degree in educational psychology at the University of Regina.
Second-year student Vanessa Wang was recognized for uniting communities across the GTA through music. A political science and statistics major, Wang often performs the national anthem, original songs and covers at political rallies and local events. She has performed at the Town of East Gwillimbury Remembrance Day Ceremony and the City of Richmond Hill Canada Day Celebrations.
“I’m passionate about social responsibility, humanity and politics as well as music,” Wang said. “Songwriting gives me a way to combine my interests.”
Wang said she felt “extremely humbled and grateful” when York-Simcoe MP Scot Davidson told her about the award.
“I was thrilled when he also asked me to perform one of my original songs ‘I am Canadian’ at the award ceremony,” said Wang. The song is a tribute to Canada and outstanding Canadians.
Wang is actively involved in events and organizations at Victoria College including the annual Book Sale as well as Vic's Mental Wellness Commission.
“There are always events happening at Vic,” said Wang. “It's a very welcoming community on campus.”