Spotlights

✨#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

🌟✨#HADSCscholarshipspotlight: Summer Escoto 🌟✨ My name is Summer Escoto, and I am a graduate of Tecumseh Vista Secondary School in the Greater Essex County District School Board. I am attending the University of Windsor pursuing a Degree in Environmental Studies. Ever since I was a kid, I've always been drawn to nature and now due to my dedication and passion, I'll be able to fulfil my dreams. I hope to work in the environment in any way possible like being an ecologist, researcher or park ranger. In the future, I hope to become an employee in one of our national parks here in Canada who is dedicated to using these valuable skills day-by-day. I want to help with something bigger than myself and influence positive change in the environment to save it from negative human influence. I have aspirations of helping the environment and contributing to its health creating natural spaces that allow for plants, animals and humans to flourish through the skills I’ll learn at school. Throughout high school, I dedicated myself to personal growth and community involvement. I joined the concert band program, where I learned to play the alto saxophone after never playing before. I also served in Student Parliament for four years, where I helped organize pep rallies and school fundraisers to being elected Grade 12 Representative, learning valuable lessons about leadership, communication, and collaboration. Outside the classroom, I volunteered at the Allie Sunshine Garden, tending to plants and helping create flower bouquets. This experience taught me about the power of community and the importance of giving back, lessons that continue to shape who I am today. Summer Escoto received the Ada & Leo Ellsworth STEM Scholarship of $2500. ✨Congratulations, Summer Escoto!✨ #HADSCScholarship #HADSC #UGRR #BlackHistory365 #GECDSB #BlackExcellence #EnvironmentalStudies #FutureEcologist