MacBain Niagara Falls Scholarship Recipients 2026
This year’s 14 recipients will be pursuing a range of programs, including health sciences, media design, architecture, political science, and commerce at a variety of institutions, including Queen’s University, the University of Toronto, Seneca Polytechnic, and the University of British Columbia.
Applications for the 2027 cohort will open in September 2026.
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Oluwadarasimi (Dara) Akamo
Saint Michael Catholic High School
Health Sciences, McMaster University
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Dara is the Secretary of his school’s Key Club, through which he builds connections between students and the wider Niagara Falls community. From age 9, Dara has been playing the piano as part of his church choir. He has participated in the regional and provincial levels of Envirothon, an environmentally themed academic competition that immerses students in hands-on learning about various ecosystems. He is a member of the Mathletes and the Reach For The Top trivia club at school. Dara also works at a local restaurant.
Justin Austin
A. N. Myer Secondary School
Science, University of British Columbia
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Justin was a founding member of the T.I.E.D (Team of Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity) and Building Belonging clubs and served on the District School Board of Niagara’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Alliance of Students to promote multiculturalism and inclusivity at school. He co-founded an apparel company, which won a local business pitch competition and earned a spot in the Niagara Summer Company Program. He has competed in the Ethics Bowl Championship at the regional and provincial levels. Justin has also performed in a musical, is part of the Myer Vocal Ensemble, and was a member of the Newspaper and Math Club.
Mansi Bhandari
A. N. Myer Secondary School
Integrated Science, McMaster University
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Mansi is a Student Senator with the District School Board of Niagara, leading student well-being and engagement initiatives. She has volunteered with Birchway Niagara for five years in support of vulnerable women and children through its Book Riot initiative and the Brunch, Bid, and Bowl fundraising committee. She is a proficient fencer who has won multiple awards at the provincial level and was featured in the Top 25 at the 2025 Canadian Nationals (under 17). Mansi founded and grew a podcast called BioBytes, which reaches around 4,000 people weekly. She has been a volunteer research assistant with Brock University, a travel counsellor with Destination Ontario, and an intern with Innscience Labs.
Cora Duncan
Stamford Collegiate
Social Sciences, McMaster University
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Cora is her school’s Indigenous Student Representative, where she raised awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and was a panelist for the district school board’s Equity Conference. She led the Indigenous Student Alliance to build a safe space for Indigenous students and allies to learn together. She also served on the Student Council as Recording Secretary, assisting with events and meetings. In her free time, Cora bakes and shares sweet treats with family, friends, and community members. Cora has completed basic military training with the Canadian Armed Forces Raven Program and has worked in sales with Niagara Parks.
Jana El Zuway
Saint Michael Catholic High School
Medical Sciences, Brock University
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Jana is the President of the Saint Michael’s Key Club and the President of the Student Council. She previously served as a Media Coordinator for the Council, covering key school activities for digital media. Outside of school, she volunteers with the Niagara Health Emergency Department, supporting patients with non-clinical tasks. She has co-founded a local initiative which helps community members in need, arranges clothing drives for a women’s shelter, and distributes kindness cards to the elderly. She is also part of her school’s Wellness Club and the Interact Rotary Club and was previously a member of the Technovation Girls Coding Club.
Troy Fleming
A. N. Myer Secondary School
Arts, Queen’s University
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Troy is the Chair of his school’s Model UN and a regional champion with the Reach For The Top trivia club. He is also an actor with the school’s theatre troupe and a storyteller and Leader with the Dungeons and Dragons Club, where he is also involved in training younger members. Outside of school, Troy volunteers at a soup kitchen and for Heaters Heroes, where he raises money and plans experiences for sick children and their families. He is a Venturer for Scouts Canada and works as a lifeguard at a local waterpark.
Ashley Ireland
Westlane Secondary School
Electrical Engineering Technician, Mohawk College
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| Ashley is the President of the Athletic Council, where she leads events and activities that connect students through sport. She has been a softball player since the age of 9 and was a junior umpire for the Niagara Falls Softball Association. She is also trained in ringette and teaches kids at the Niagara Falls Ringette Association. She volunteers at the Lions Club, organizing community events and raising money to support those in need. In her free time, she draws portraits. She has worked in marketing and currently works in guest services at the local cinema. |
Rosan Karahan
Westlane Secondary School
Health Science, Queen’s University
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| At school, Rosan tutors newcomer students to support them in a new learning environment. He is the captain of the swim team, which he helped grow by connecting one-on-one with peers. He is also involved with the Interact Club, Diversity Club, and the Healthy Schools Club. Outside of school, he volunteers at the Niagara Health Emergency Department, where he contributes to patient care and trains other volunteers. He is also the Youth Empowerment Co-Chair and the Anti-Racism Representative on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee. Rosan works at two local restaurants and performs as a magician. |
Jordan Lennox
Saint Paul Catholic High School
Interactive Media Design, Seneca Polytechnic
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| Jordan is a multi-sport athlete who plays basketball, volleyball, and baseball. He has been part of the Niagara Falls Red Raiders basketball team for a decade, where he currently serves as Captain. Jordan volunteers with the Terry Fox Run to organize events, including the annual BBQ and trivia night, and joins the Canada Day parade to raise awareness about cancer and support families affected by cancer. He is a self-taught video editor who supports video production at his school and has founded NaloPacks.com, a business which sells ready-to-use visual presets. He has also worked as a stock clerk with the Niagara Parks Commission. |
Meredith Marrie
Saint Paul Catholic High School
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| Meredith is the captain of her school’s girls’ varsity basketball team and has played for her community U19 travel basketball team for over five years. She is also a member of her school volleyball and varsity soccer teams and completed a coach certification to become a volunteer soccer coach for the St. Catherine’s U9 girls’ team. Meredith is a singer and volunteer with the St. Catherine of Alexandria Children and Adult Choir, where she mentors the younger choristers and assists the choir director, helping the choir grow from five to twelve members. |
Cole Ridgway
A. N. Myer Secondary School
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| Cole is a Program Leader at his church, facilitating weekly activities for children, including crafts, story time, and gym activities. Growing up, he witnessed the daily challenges faced by his elderly neighbours and started committing his time to helping them out with household chores, lawn mowing, pet care, and grocery pick-up. Cole taught himself how to maintain and operate small and heavy equipment, eventually starting his own repair business. Cole plays football for his school team and volunteers for baseball, volleyball, and track and field tournaments. He also works as a landscaper at a local nursery. |
Hudson Rufrano
Saint Paul Catholic High School
Political Science, Western University
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| Hudson is a long-time AAA ice hockey player. He plays for his school team and volunteers at the Konopka Hockey School to mentor and train young athletes through a buddy program. Hudson is also an MMA athlete with the Niagara Top Team. He has worked as a sales associate at two local retail stores, a crew member at a local golf course, and is currently an assistant at a landscaping company. Hudson also serves on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee, organizing community events and youth initiatives. |
Haesung Shin
Westlane Secondary School
Commerce, University of Toronto
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| Haesung is a member of the Niagara Regional Chair’s Youth Advisory Panel. He interns at the Mayor’s Office, assisting with various tasks including social media, inventory organization, and planning activities. He is the President of his school’s Interact Club and DECA club and serves as a Treasurer for the Student Council. He volunteers at the Niagara Soup Kitchen to help with distribution and community engagement. Haesung is also a part of the Math Club, the Student Council, and plays badminton and ultimate frisbee for his school. He works as a swim instructor for the city. |
Sophia Van Dyke
A. N. Myer Secondary School
Architectural Science, Toronto Metropolitan University
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Sophia is the Founder and Lead Photographer for Myer Media, bringing together peers to find their passion for photography and contribute to school projects, including the yearbook, sports and art events, and everyday moments across the school. She volunteered with Camp Myer to support younger students and skis with the school’s ski club. Sophia was part of her school’s dance team and participated in the Strive Dance Challenges and other competitions. In her free time, she practices visual arts and makeup art. Sophia has also worked as a hostess at a restaurant and with local recreation spots.