WINNIPEG, July 4, 2019 – Five recipients were awarded with the Mayor’s Scholarship for Community Leadership during a ceremony at City Hall, Mayor Brian Bowman announced today.
Each of the five scholarship winners will receive a one thousand dollar scholarship in recognition of their consistent and outstanding dedication to making their community a better place to live and by solving community problems.
The scholarship is awarded annually, and this is the fourth year it has been awarded.
“It’s great to provide these scholarships again this year,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “I’m always inspired by the extent to which our student leaders think about and consider ways to make our community a better place, and it’s my hope these scholarships can help them contribute to making our city, province, and country a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
This year’s five scholarship recipients are:
RAVNEET BRAR
High School: West Kildonan Collegiate
Volunteer Activities: Volunteer for SEVA (The Act of Selfless Service), co-chair of West Kildonan Collegiate’s Stand Together and Grow Committee, promoting health initiatives and wellness as well as educating students about metal health issues and stigmas.
Educational Goal: Plans to study business at the University of Manitoba and hopes to go to medical school.
DAWSON (COLE) LAZARUK
High School: River East Collegiate
Volunteer Activities: Organizer and founder of TEDxKildonan, member of “The Refuge” program supporting vulnerable single mothers and children in the Elmwood neighborhood, member of the Royal Canadian Air Force Cadets
Educational Goal: Plans to study business administration at the University of Winnipeg with the goal of working in the non-profit sector
JENNA SIGURDSON
High School: Collège Jeanne-Sauvé
Volunteer Activity: Volunteer at Siloam Mission and River Park Gardens Personal Care Home, founder of Jenna’s Toonies for Tulips a campaign started to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease
Educational Goal: Plans to study science at the University of Manitoba and hopes to attend medical school
NATHAN MATTHEWS
High School: Fort Richmond Collegiate
Volunteer Activity: Volunteer at St. Amant Centre, Victoria Hospital, Vista Park Lodge, and Health Sciences Centre, music and technical facilitator at his church, Sunday school teacher
Educational Goal: Plans to study environmental science at the University of Manitoba and hopes to earn a master’s degree specializing in ecology
AAYUSH VIJ
High School: St. Maurice School
Volunteer Activities: Volunteer at the India Pavilion and one of four Ambassador Generals for the 50th Folklorama, Diwali Mela festival, the Community School Investigators Science Camp and Lets Talk Science helping educate children on scientific topics, Ambassador for the India Canada Culture and Heritage Association
Educational Goal: Plans to study engineering at the University of Manitoba
The Mayor’s Scholarship for Community Leadership rewards the achievements of Winnipeg’s future leaders and supports them on the path towards their educational and career goals.
Community leadership can be demonstrated through activities that promote racial and social inclusion, drive reconciliation, encourage environmental stewardship, and support or empower Winnipeg’s less fortunate. The recipients were chosen by an independent panel consisting of Councillor Vivian Santos and members of Boys & Girls Clubs and Volunteer Manitoba.
