Spotlights

My name is Jordyn Taylor and I recently graduated from Kingsville District High School in the Greater Essex County District School Board. I am continuing my education at St. Clair College taking their Marketing Advertising Communications Management Program. After I graduate, I aspire to work in the industry as a brands promotions manager where I hope to make a meaningful impact in my community! After working as an industry professional for a few years, I then have dreams of opening my own Business Improvements Marketing Firm. Where I would provide struggling small businesses and charitable organizations with scalable resources that help them successfully grow. In addition to being a full-time student, I have been able to participate in numerous extracurricular activities and make a meaningful impact in my community through my 350+ hours of volunteering, at several different local organizations. The organization where I completed the majority of my volunteer work was the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village. Through these efforts, I gained crucial skills, that contributed to my success. Furthermore, through volunteering, I was able to discover my ideal major for post-secondary studies. I would also like to thank my ancestors who took part in the journey of escaping enslavement and seeking freedom in Canada- through the Underground Railroad. Without their courage and bravery, many of the opportunities and abilities I have today would not be possible. Alongside my admiration for their actions, I envision my ancestors' pride in witnessing me fulfill my goals, excel academically, and achieve all that I have accomplished. Jordyn received the Eleanore Patricia Alexander Scholarship of $3500. Congratulations Jordyn Taylor! #HADSCScholarship #HADSC #UGRR #Blackhistory365 #gecsdb

My name is Avril Johnson. I recently graduated from St Joseph's High School . I am in the Physics program at the University of Windsor. When I finish university I want to become an assistant to a scientist and gain experience. Once I have more experience and knowledge I'd like to become a full-time scientist and help answer the many questions left unknown. Physics helps to better understand the world around you. My education will help me get to the level in science I'd like to be at and in return help me to educate others on the wonders of our world. I specifically would like to become an astrophysicist ultimately wanting to work at NASA. I have done volunteer work as a babysitter and a student at my school helping show the grade 8’s what their grade nine year will look like. I did my most influential volunteer work at a retirement home. I noticed the elderly experienced isolation from the general community. I decided to take initiative by volunteering at an amazing retirement home. I wanted to be a person they could go to for anything and be someone they could be proud of. Avril received the Evelyn & Lornie Hurst Sr. Memorial bursary of $1500. Congratulations Avril! #HADSCScholarship #HADSC #UGRR #blackhistory365 #gecsdb

My name is Scott Ellsworth Jr. I recently graduated from Tecumseh Vista Academy GECDSB . I am attending the University of Windsor in the faculty of Engineering @uwindsor_eng with my major being Mechanical Engineering. At a very young age I was always interested in how things are built and how they work. I hope to use my curiosity and education to launch me in an exciting Engineering career, designing and manufacturing the next generation of electric vehicles. I also hope that me accomplishing my goals encourages other racialized STEM students to persevere. I actively volunteer in my church helping with Sunday school and other church activities. I have volunteered in various capacities with my home Churches of Union Baptist Church(Dresden) and First Baptist Church Puce. This included helping with various Sunday school programs, Christmas caroling to the elderly at their home and nursing homes, cleaning days at the church, assisting on building projects and fun activity days assisting and leading games. I have volunteered at school events, like wrestling tournaments and track and field meets and many hockey fundraising events such as car washes, grocery packing. I also have volunteered scorekeeping hockey games for travel teams and have trained others to be scorekeepers as well. I was a summer student working at the John Freeman Walls Museum and I am enjoying the experience. It has allowed me a chance to meet people and learn and share the experience of our ancestor’s journey to freedom. I can only imagine how proud our ancestors would be of the accomplishments we have made and the accomplishment yet to be made. I hope they will be proud of me on my journey to fulfill my goals. Scott received the Ada & Leo Ellsworth STEM bursary of $1500 Congratulations Scottie! #HADSCScholarship #HADSC #UGRR #blackhistory365 #gecsdb