Spotlights

My name is Savannah Baillargeon, and I am a proud French Immersion graduate of Sandwich Secondary School in the Greater Essex County District School Board. This fall, I am beginning my studies at Bishop’s University, where I’m pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. I will also be a student-athlete competing on the women's soccer team. My goal is to become a Marketing Analyst and use my skills to make a positive difference in the world. I want to help bridge the gaps between healthcare, education, and the community by improving how organizations listen to and serve people’s needs. Growing up in Windsor-Essex, I’ve seen firsthand the disparities in mental health resources and educational funding. Those experiences motivated me to pursue a career where I can use data and communication to drive meaningful change and help communities thrive. Outside of academics, I’ve shared one of my biggest passions — soccer by volunteering at youth soccer camps. Coaching and mentoring young players has taught me the importance of teamwork, patience, and inspiring others to find joy and confidence through sport. ✨ Savannah Baillargeon received the Alice Allen Memorial Scholarship & Guy Allen Memorial Scholarship of $2,150✨ ✨Congratulations, Savannah Baillargeon!✨ #HADSCScholarship #HADSC #UGRR #BlackHistory365 #GECDSB #BlackExcellence #WomenInBusiness #FutureMarketingAnalyst #CommunityImpact

✨#HADSCscholarshipspotlight: Kaiden Wilson🌟 My name is Kaiden Wilson, and I am a graduate of Tecumseh Vista High School in the Greater Essex County District School Board. I am attending the University of Windsor to study Physics while also competing as a member of the Track and Field Team. I hope to use my education and talents to make a lasting, positive impact in my community and in the world, whether through the fields of Medicine or Engineering, both of which are essential for progress and innovation. Throughout high school, I was a dedicated athlete and student leader. I competed on the Volleyball, Basketball, and Track and Field teams all four years, achieving standout success in my senior year. My volleyball team went undefeated, I earned a spot on the Second All-City Volleyball Team**, won City and Southwestern Ontario Basketball Championships qualifying for OFSAA, and also qualified for OFSAA in the 4x100m relay. Outside of school, I continue to compete with the Border City Athletic Club, and I’m proud to carry that passion for athletics into university. Beyond sports, I served as Minister of Athletics on Student Parliament, played in the Concert Band, and volunteered at school events by scorekeeping volleyball and basketball games, running concession stands, and helping at football gates. In my community, I am an active member of New Beginnings Church**, where I play in the Praise and Worship Team every Sunday. I also support church-led community fundraisers, including the annual Back-to-School Supply Drive, the Help Her Fly Fundraiser, and the Breakfast Club for William G. Davis Public School. Kaiden Wilson received the Elsie Bishop Memorial Scholarship of $2,150. ✨Congratulations, Kaiden Wilson!✨ @kaidenwilsonn #HADSCScholarship #HADSC #UGRR #BlackHistory365 #GECDSB #BlackExcellence #FutureEngineer #FuturePhysicist #StudentAthlete #UndergroundRailroadDescendant

✨#HADSCscholarshipspotlight: Amira Steinhoff-Strode🌟 My name is Amira Steinhoff-Strode, and I am a graduate of W.F. Herman Secondary School within the Greater Essex County District School Board. I am attending the University of Western to pursuing a Bachelor of Health Sciences. After my degree is completed, I wish to apply to medical school and become a licensed paediatrician. My goal is to be the source of representation for young Black girls interested in STEM-related fields and to ensure that our healthcare system can be easily navigated for communities of colour. My passion for healthcare is rooted in my lived experiences as a young Black woman who has seen how healthcare systems often fail to reflect or understand our communities. I want to be the kind of healthcare provider who doesn’t just treat symptoms but sees people for who they truly are — with empathy, understanding, and justice at the heart of every interaction. During my high school career, I have taken on many leadership opportunities, such as being a part of the student council and the Black Student Advisory Committee. During my time on the committee, I co-hosted the GECDSB annual Black Joy, Black Excellence Symposium, I was a mentor/leader at the school board's Camp Nia and worked with the Ontario Human Rights Commission in addressing anti-Black racism in schools. In addition to my leadership in my school community, I also played travel volleyball for 6 years, where I learned how to be a leader for my peers. These various roles have given me a platform and a purpose. I am beyond thankful to have had these experiences, as they have taught me the importance of empathy and using my voice to create the change I wish to see. Amira Steinhoff-Strode received the Jane McCoy-Robbins Scholarship of $2200 ✨Congratulations, Amira Steinhoff-Strode!✨ @amira.jaydee #HADSCScholarship #HADSC #UGRR #BlackHistory365 #GECDSB #BlackExcellence #WomenInSTEM