Mona Najafi - Bloor Collegiate Institute

Mona is not just an outstanding academic student. Her greatest motivation is learning new material and expanding her knowledge base. Mona‘s greatest interest lies in learning more about the medical profession. During the pandemic she volunteered countless hours at vaccine clinics across the city where she learned first-hand about collaboration, problem solving and patient care in the medical field. She plans on attending the Biomedical Science Faculty at McGill University and give back to her community as a healthcare professional.

Hailey Rocha - Central Technical School

Hailey will be studying bioethics at St. Michael’s College, U of T at the St. George campus. Besides being an honour roll student, she has participated fully in school and community life. Hailey has been part of the school’s elite athletics, student government, school spirit, mentorship and social justice programs. She tackles all with passion and perseverance. Hailey has a focused interest in becoming a child life specialist, combining medical and psychological training to work with chronically ill youth.

Sherika Aaliyah Black - Central Toronto Academy

Sherika will be the first of her family to attend tertiary education. She is one of the school’s top academic achievers as well as their most committed, reliable student leader and an accomplished community builder. Sherika is a passionate, dedicated classmate and advocate who gives a voice to others when they are in need.

She is unwavering in her desire to follow her path in science in McMaster’s Life Sciences Gateway Program, leading to a medical degree in obstetrics.

Lhamo Norbu - Harbord C.I.

Not only does Lhamo excel in math and science but she is also a music student and teacher/volunteer in the Regent Park School of Music. Her career goal is to become a paediatrician and she will begin this journey by taking the Life Sciences program at McGill. Her referee said “One of the pure joys in a teaching career is when you meet a truly special student. Getting to know and work with Lhamo has been a gift and our entire school community knows that she will make you proud as a recipient of the UWC Toronto Scholarship.“

Christine Kwong - Monarch Park C.I.

Christine‘s life goal is to become a teacher. She will be attending York University in the Concurrent Education Program. Christine exhibits exceptional leadership and communication skills. Her teacher reference said that she is a natural!

One of her many strengths is her ability to successfully manage her many school and community obligations. She is involved in all areas of school extra-curricular activities and Christine has logged hundreds of hours of volunteer service serving on the Citywide Youth Advisory Council and the Secord Youth Council of the City of Toronto.

Emma Russell-Trione - Rosedale Heights School of the Arts

Emma’s teachers have commented on her ability to completely master skills and concepts, her great enthusiasm for her work and on her outstanding communication skills. She also has drama, creative writing, and stagecraft in her skills’ toolkit. She has used these attributes by giving writing workshops to 9-13 year old students and by advocating for climate change awareness through bi-weekly newsletters. Emma is a published author many times over and will continue her lifelong dream of achieving a Master’s Degree in Library Science at Concordia University as well as continuing to produce more published works.

Kelly Lu - York Memorial C.I.

Kelly is an honour student, leader, school-wide volunteer and an entrepreneur. She supported many school initiatives through her creativity, work ethic and ingenuity. At one such event, Kelly worked with teachers at the school to design, set up and deliver a huge fundraising concert that generated thousands of dollars for York Memorial to use for helping their disadvantaged students. Kelly has found the university program that best highlights her creative talents and her business acumen. She will be attending the Business Program at Waterloo University this fall. As a reference said, “What better way to celebrate Mary MacDonald then to offer a young woman like Kelly the opportunity to follow her dreams!”

INNIS RESIDENCE SCHOLARSHIPS

Our 2020 and 2021 scholarships were both awarded in the 2021-22 academic year due to the Covid challenges during the pandemic. 

KELLY LIU

Second-year student majoring in English and minoring in education and society and linguistics

The UWC of Toronto Award has helped me tremendously toward achieving my goals — as a student and beyond the classroom. It has alleviated the financial strain of university residence fees, freeing up time to focus on my studies and extracurricular involvement. Thanks to this award, I have become more involved with my college student society and in leadership and peer-mentorship. I am also grateful to be able to continue living in residence and for the support and recognition that this award brings. Upon graduation, I hope to enter a master of teaching program and eventually become an English teacher.

Thank you so much for your generosity in making this award possible. I cannot express my appreciation for your help and support for my education and future.

SAM GUEVARA

First-year student majoring in geography and political science and minoring in cinema studies

The UWC of Toronto Award affords me the privilege of attending post-secondary education while living on campus. By relieving financial strain, it enables more time for participation. I have seized as many on-campus community, social, and academic opportunities as possible. In the process, I have formed many positive memories. By validating and recognizing my volunteer efforts, this award has also made me proud.

Upon graduation, I hope to attend law or graduate school and pursue a career path in governance and legislation — be it as an environmental lawyer, a Parks Canada employee, or a diplomat. With a passion for arts, I also hope to pursue filmmaking and acting.

I wish to express much gratitude to those of University Women’s Club of Toronto, who have made this award possible. I am a first-generation, low-income student responsible for paying tuition and school-related expenses. My financial situation requires me to be a full-time student and a full-time worker. Receiving the UWC of Toronto Award has lowered this financial barrier, allowing me to engage and thrive in college and campus life and community volunteerism.

I will continue to reflect the University Women’s Club mission to build a more equitable world for all women and girls.