Spotlights

Hi my name is Hailey Chase, I am a recent graduate form Walkerville Collegiate Institute in the Greater Essex County District School Board. I hope to study at the University of Windsor as part of the Vocal Music Education Program as well as a bassoonist in the symphony orchestra. I have goals of becoming a professor and continuing research on music education my entire life so I can give other students the same experience I had but also what I did not have. I’ve always been passionate about education and activism but never seemed to have the confidence or education myself to voice my thoughts to others, but, in grade eleven I was told that my school would not be celebrating Black History Month beside small moments and considerations. Walkerville is primarily White so not celebrating was completely unacceptable in my eyes and was more important than anything else at the time in my mind. So I started the Black Excellence Guest Speakers Series. Several members of our Windsor community talked to Walkerville students of all grades by team meetings all through the month of February. They taught lessons on Black history and told stories of Black excellence. After the event was over countless staff and students told me they learned things they would’ve never learned and had new appreciations, which is why in my grade twelve year I brought the event to the entire school board, welcoming all schools to join meetings and learn. This is what I love to do, education and open minds. Hailey received the Evelyn & Lornie Hurst Sr. Bursary of $1750. Congratulations Hailey Chase! #HADSCScholarship #HADSC #UGRR #Blackhistory365 #gecdsb

Hi my name is Ciara Bigelow, I am a recent graduate from St Joseph's Catholic High School in the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board now studying at the University of Windsor in the Human Kinetics Program. I plan to finish the Bachelor of Human Kinetics program - movement science and pursue my goal of becoming a Physical Education teacher. I am looking forward to the next few years full of learning, new experiences, meeting new people and getting closer and closer to my goals. I have confidence when it comes to my career choice. I am someone who very much enjoys being active, going to the gym, taking walks, and jumping at any chance to keep busy. Some ways I've satisfied my need for activity during my high school experience is by joining sports teams such as soccer and track. I’ve spent many years of my life taking the time to volunteer at a local food bank helping those in need. This included washing, sorting and organizing clothes, as well as preparing carts full of groceries for clients. In addition to this, I currently volunteer for my home church with the youth and nursery. I am thankful to have these experiences to strengthen my connection to the community. Not only has it deepened my relationship with peers and given me the opportunity to get to know those around me, I have now adapted skills that will help me with my future plans and goals towards my career. Ciara received the Elsie Bishop Memorial Bursary of $1750. Congratulations Ciara Bigelow! Ciara is part of the Mulder Family. #HADSCScholarship #HADSC #UGRR #Blackhistory365

My name is Denzel Ross and I recently graduated from Vincent Massey Secondary School in the Greater Essex County District School Board. I am continuing my education at the University of Windsor the Biomedical Sciences - Health Stream program UWindsor Faculty of Science. I plan to go to dental school and become a dentist. Outside of school I have worked with a few organizations such as the humane society which I have donated to help with their care of animals and the unemployed help centre where I helped to provide food to the less fortunate throughout Windsor. With my post-secondary education and dental school education I would be able to help those in my community to become better informed about their oral health and dental hygiene. Also, if I became a dentist I would be able to support organizations such as Amherstburg Black History museum which help reflect the History of Black Canadians (such as my descendants) in the Amherstburg general area. Denzel received the Ada & Leo Ellsworth STEM Bursary of $2000. Congratulations Denzel Ross Denzel is part of the Harris family. #HADSCScholarship #HADSC #UGRR #Blackhistory365 #gecsdb