RECIPIENTS
2023 Recipients
HILARY LE-NGUYEN
University of Toronto
Major: Life Sciences
Hilary Le-Nguyen, a recent graduate of C.W. Jeffrey’s high school, is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s of Science in Life Sciences at the University of Toronto. With an impressive academic record including achieving honour roll every semester, Hilary has consistently demonstrated her academic aptitude. Her commitment to her education is matched by her passion for making a positive impact in her community. She has devoted herself to supporting residents in her local community through providing free tutoring and babysitting services and organizing clothing drives and holiday gift packages for low-income families at the Jane & Finch Community Centre. Her volunteer work with the Pedalheads initiative helped bring free bikes, helmets and other essentials to children in low-income families across Toronto. She aspires to become a pharmacist to help improve even more lives and we couldn’t be happier to help support her in that journey!
ARANI HIRITHARAN
Queen’s University
Major: Health Sciences
Arani Hiritharan is a standout graduate from Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute, now studying Health Sciences at Queen’s University. Arani’s academic journey is marked by leadership in STEM, notably through her excellent grands and her involvement in the school’s robotics team, where she worked to increase accessibility for low-income students. In response to the pandemic, Arani Hiritharan created the COVID Connection Project, a network of virtual clubs tailored to diverse interests. Her project bridged the gap caused by physical distancing, offering a platform for students to make friends, share experiences, and support each other’s mental health. Arani’s commitment to social justice is also evident in her roles with the Laurier UNICEF Chapter and the Tamil Student Association, along with her published poetry raising awareness for mental health causes. As she embarks on a path to become a neurologist, Arani continues to blend her academic interests with a deep commitment to serving others!
2022 Recipients
GADION WOLDEMARIAM
George Brown College
Major: General Arts & Sciences
Gadion Woldemariam is a former student at St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School and is described as conscientious and caring by past teachers. In his final three years of high school, Gadion was on the honour roll. During his time at St. Patrick, Gadion was awarded certificates for receiving the highest marks in Math, English, History, Personal Fitness and Business. Gadion has shown leadership qualities through his work as a leader for the Advent Charity Campaign, where he helped deliver boxes of food cans to Good Shepherd Ministries. He also shows respect for his community by helping to clean trash behind his school. Gadion is continuing his education this fall at George Brown College where he will be studying General Arts & Sciences, and looks forward to continuing his education and working hard to achieve his goals.
MOMINA BUTT
University of Waterloo
Major: Computing and Financial Management
Momina Butt is dedicated to uplifting and empowering young women. Despite coming from a low-income background, Ms. Butt has not let this stop her from working hard toward her educational goals. In high school, she accumulated nearly 150 hours of community service tutoring her peers in her school. Momina is passionate about eliminating gender inequality and volunteers her time at the Sheen for She Foundation, a nonprofit that provides self-care services to women in need. Ms. Butt has excelled and received certificates in science, math, business studies, and accounting. Currently studying Computing and Financial Management at the University of Waterloo, the opportunity to pursue a post-secondary education means a great deal to Momina as she continues to work towards achieving success in her educational endeavors.
2021 Recipients
RADIYA ABDIRAHMAN
University of Toronto Scarborough
Major: Co-op Life Sciences
Radiya Abdirahman is a multifaceted student studying Co-op Life Sciences at University of Toronto – Scarborough. She is goal oriented, surpassing her academic goal of getting 90% in all her classes by having a very high grade average in Grade 12. When she’s not playing soccer, basketball or studying, she is in her community helping its members. Radiya is a part of a not-for-profit organization called Youth Assisting Youth where she is a tutor for young children. She is also a lead facilitator for an English Conversation Circle helping youth who are newcomers to Canada practice their English speaking skills. Radiya has worked hard to fight adversities thrown at her and her family but her passion and strength, as well as her intellect are destined to keep her going.
ALI SALMAN AL-TIMIMI
University of Toronto
Major: Life Sciences
Ali A. Salman Al-Timimi, a former student at C.W. Jefferys has hopes of creating a better life for him and his mother. A very active member in school, he was a part of the STEM and LAWS program in addition he competed in numerous math and computer competitions. He proves his strong leadership abilities by being the grade representative, school council co-president and an executive in the athletic council. Furthermore, he’s a peer tutor and member of many school planning committees for dances, banquets, alumni games and other school events. Outside of school, Ali spends his time volunteering at tree planting events, OFSAA track meets and at his local pool before.
In his final year, he was a part of the TDSB student committee to set up a multi-school virtual talent show to support the mental health of the students in his area during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently studying Life Sciences at University of Toronto, Ali is working towards his goal of going to medical school to further create lasting impact on the people he interacts with.
CAMRYN FOSS
York University
Major: Linguistics
A former student at CW Jefferys Collegiate, Camryn has been on the honour roll since he was in Grade 9. He received the Academic English and Drama Award for having the highest grade average in his entire school. His excellence doesn’t just end in school, he also commits his time to supporting his community. Working with CultureLink BikeHub, Camryn has taught and assisted residents of the Jane and Finch community with repairing bicycles. He was able to secure a bike training course at his school and also become the Youth Emcee for Ontario’s Bike Summit, getting recognition from Jeff Yurek, the Minister of Transportation in Ontario. His community work extends to rallying with teachers during their strikes and standing in solidarity in the Black Lives Matter movement in the summer. Being the first to graduate highschool in his family, Camryn has his eyes set on studying English and French in York University. We’re looking forward to what else Camryn has in store!
2020 Recipients
ELIJAH GYANSA
University of Toronto
Major: Life Sciences
Elijah Gyansa’s post-secondary journey began in the fall of 2020, at the University of Toronto studying Life Sciences. Consistently exceptional in the classroom, Elijah has been described by the teachers and vice-principal of St. Robert CI, as a diligent and intelligent student. With executive positions in a variety of extra-curricular groups from the Student Council to the Interfaith Club, Elijah has made it a priority to use his leadership skills and dedication to bring disparate members of the student body together in unity. His drive and caring nature made him stand out among his peers and he was elected to be the president of the Student Senate for York Catholic District School Board where he was an outspoken advocate for equity. From working to uplift and empower our city’s most vulnerable through organizing a fundraiser for homeless youth, to teaching Sunday School for children in his church to volunteering at Sunnybrook Hospital, Elijah has clearly made an impressive impact on his community. Elijah plans to become a neurosurgeon in the future and we have no doubt that with his determination he will reach that goal! We are honoured to have the opportunity to support him in his journey.
REBECCA YANG
Waterloo University
Major: Biochemistry
Rebecca Yang is currently a first-year student studying Biochemistry at the University of Waterloo. Rebecca graduated as an Ontario scholar from Delphi Secondary Alternative School in June 2020. Throughout highschool, Rebecca served as captain of her school’s rugby team, captain of the curling team, runner on the track team, swimmer on the swim team, peer tutor and a member of various student councils including the fundraising committee, athletic committee and PSA committee. While excelling academically and as an elite athlete, Rebecca also worked part-time as a rugby facilitator for the Toronto Inner City Rugby Foundation and coached swimming in both English and Mandarin at her local community swim club. Rebecca’s personal experiences with the healthcare system and being the recipient of new drugs in clinical trials has piqued her interest in pharmacology and biochemical sciences. Rebecca hopes to combine her passion for biopharmaceutical sciences, philanthropy and innovation to pursue a career in the biopharmaceutical industry creating life-saving drugs.
2019 Recipients
ANITA ANING
York University
Major: Sociology
Anita Aning began her post-secondary journey in the Fall of 2019 at York University studying sociology. She graduated with exceptionally high marks and received seven honor rolls throughout her highschool years. In addition to diligently engaging in her academic, taking care of her family members and working a part time job, Anita still makes time to volunteer within the community. She has volunteered at her local church, by teaching Sunday school and planning activities for children. She also has planned and facilitated her own workshop on police brutality and shared her work with students at schools in the Greater Toronto Area. Anita is a caring and proactive individual and we are delighted to be a support in her goal of becoming a lawyer.
FAIZO MAYOW
George Brown College
Major: Human Resources
Faizo Mayow began the Human Resources at George Brown College in the fall of 2019. Faizo has left a lasting impression on the staff and students at Downsview Secondary with her leadership capabilities and empathetic nature. Her teachers spoke so highly of her reliability and passion, demonstrated by her diligently volunteered for the school breakfast club, soccer team, dance club, Multicultural Day, Newcomer Orientation Week, Dare 2 Inspire, prospective student visits and more. Her tenacity and optimistic attitude have enabled her to overcome challenges and be a positive role model and light within her community. As she is continually guided by kindness, she is determined to become a human resources manager in order to help more people and we are confident she will accomplish her goal!
2018 Recipients
KEDIEL MENDEZ
George Brown College
Major: Nursing
Kediel Mendez is an aspiring nurse who commenced the Pre-Health Nursing program at George Brown College in the fall of 2018. Despite facing many social and personal obstacles before and after immigrating to Canada, Kediel was able to achieve a certificate of honours at her high school and build meaningful, positive relationships with teachers and peers. Amidst her busy schedule as a student, Kediel routinely volunteered at her school library and dedicated much of her leisure time helping her community by babysitting for local families. This came at no cost to her as she not only enjoyed helping others, but also loved working with children. Kediel is excited to venture off into unchartered territory as the first person in her family to pursue post-secondary education. She sees this as a chance to be a role model for her younger siblings and make her dad and aunt proud. Kediel understands the hard work and discipline necessary to achieve her academic and professional goals and is determined to accomplish every single one with tenacity and enthusiasm.
2017 Recipients
RICHA PATEL
University of Guelph
Major: Biomedical Science
Richa Patel is an exemplary student admitted to the University of Guelph for a Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Sciences in the fall of 2017. Throughout highschool, Patel demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence by earning the status of Ontario Scholar and supported her school community through many initiatives including serving as an executive in DECA (entrepreneurship competition) and participating in Relay For Life to raise money for the Canadian Cancer society.
2016 Recipients
BHONITA SINGH
Brock University
Major: Sociology
FAISA ALI
York University
Major: Kinesiology and Health Sciences & Minor: Business