Thirteen awards were given to support post secondary education in the 2024-2025 school year. We will highlight the other seven awards in our next issue of Chronicles and Capers.
Thanks to a generous donation from HearingLife and because BCRPVPA members obtained free hearing tests, we were able to award three additional scholarships or bursaries. Many thanks also to Jeff Larcombe, Christine Johnson, Yolande Martinelli and Ian Kent for their efforts towards finding the very best candidates.
Jain Samar hails from Surrey where he has made “an indelible impact” on his teachers, the school, and the community. Having lived in three countries before settling in Canada, Samar has seen inequality at its worst.
His advocacy within his school has spread to work carried out on behalf of females and other marginalized students. “He gives voice to the perspective and concerns of others”
He has published a number of international works and was elected to the Youth Parliament in Victoria. Samar is also a member of The Canadian International Council where he brings “fresh ideas to the table”
‘His entire ethos centers around the idea that education comes from everywhere’.
He plans to pursue a career in Foreign Service and International Development with an undergraduate degree in Political Sciences.
Luis Almhanna graduated from Victoria. Luis presented as an exceptional student, who has achieved high academic standing while overcoming significant vision impairment challenges. Successfully balancing a heavy academic course load with paid employment is a demonstration of Luis’s motivation and exemplary time management skills.
Luis was involved in a broad spectrum of volunteer work including the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet, Belmont Secondary’s Leadership program and the Stepup Youth program. As a newcomer to Canada, this work highlights his additional selfless contribution to his community as particularly remarkable and commendable.
Luis was a well-rounded student who is passionate about science and STEM, with his sights set initially on a Bachelor of Science degree, in order to ultimately pursue a career in medicine
Naomi Prem hails from Maple Ridge. The belief that “each person has inherent values as an individual and is deserving of dignity and respect” has guided her in several positive directions. She has visited over fifty (50) countries, and this has enhanced her involvement with those in need,
She is a key part of the Creative Change program which takes place out of school hours. She works in the Breakfast Program, the Buddy Program, and spends time volunteering at the local Seniors’ Home where she organizes many activities. Her Community Church also benefits from her Sunday School teaching. Much of her time is spent as a volunteer at Timberline Ranch where she reaches many marginalized young people through horse riding. Naomi is a top student in the Immersion Program and within the school.
She plans to study International Studies and to eventually serve overseas in community development with a non-profit organization.
Nayis Majumder a Richmond graduate and was considered “an excellent leader”. He was the President of Student Council, President of The Justice Club, an Executive member of the School Newspaper Club, and of the Badminton Club.
Nayis helps to fundraise for marginalized students. He works in the Community supervising the Friday Night Youth Hangout, to which he has added a Study Space,
“He has consistently been a top student because of his excellent communication skills, his reflective thinking, and growth mindset.” Nayis has said, “I will never feel fulfilled in life if I don’t create change.” Navis plans to study Social Justice and to become a Human Rights Lawyer.
Kate Periera graduated from Port Moody where she has long been a top academic student, having been named as the top academic student of the school in grade 11. She finds time, however, to focus energy on environmental and philanthropic actions. As an active member of The Philanthropic Club, she “worked hard to improve the lives of people and nature in the Community. She volunteered at a Pool for people with disabilities. This and other activities show “her emphasis on compassion and empathy.”
While Kate is “excited to see what the future holds” she is planning a career in Health Care.
Chloe Jeffrey is from Richmond and found time from maintaining top marks to be involved in a slew of activities. The Biology Club, The Professional Club, The Press Club, Student Council, Track & Field and many years in community Ice Hockey constituted just some of her interests.
Her teachers couldn’t say enough good things about her and one talked about her “wonderful spirit” and how much she stood out in his thirty years of teaching.
Chloe’s volunteer time at a Seniors’ Centre has been very important to her and has taught her the meaning of community and empathy. Chloe plans to follow a career in Medicine.
