Spotlights

My name is Aysha Turner and I am a graduate from W.F. Herman Academy Secondary School @wfhermangriffins in the Greater Essex County District School Board. I am attending the University of Windsor in the Faculty of Nursing with aspirations of being a travel nurse. I've always been driven by a curiosity and a deep desire to understand the world around me and aspirations to push myself to do more. I played multiple sports simultaneously during high school such as track, volleyball and boxing because as much as education trains your mind, I made it a staple to train my body as well. I take pride in helping the environment and others. In addition, I cultivate my own vegetables and fruits for my friends and family. I enjoy helping others and volunteering my time for events like high school events, the Ontario Provincial Police, and helping my neighbours. With my passion of helping people and pushing myself, I aspire to be in the medical field. I'm currently enrolled in nursing at the university of Windsor, with that I will be on my way to help people and it won't stop there. I aspire to inspire other young women of colour in our world. Aysha received the Eleanore Patricia Alexander Scholarship of $3500. Congratulations Aysha Turner! #HADSCScholarship #HADSC #UGRR #Blackhistory365 #gecsdb @uwindsor

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