Niagara Falls, Canada (June 10, 2026) – Fourteen high school students from Niagara Falls have been awarded the MacBain Niagara Falls Scholarship and will be receiving up to $44,000 to pursue a degree or diploma program of their choosing at a Canadian public university or college. In addition, thirteen students will receive a one-time Finalist Award of $2,500 for distinguishing themselves in the selection process.
This year, 39 students were shortlisted from online applications received from across the city’s five high schools and invited to in-person interviews. Through a comprehensive selection process, the scholarship aims to look beyond academic records for strong character, notable contributions within schools and communities, and a potential and desire to undertake lifelong, community-minded leadership. This year’s recipients include students who have launched businesses and community initiatives, including an apparel brand, a clothing drive to benefit a women’s shelter, a video editing company, and a machine repair service; those who have volunteered to support the elderly, vulnerable women and children, and cancer-affected families; and those who have led school clubs, representing and building inclusive spaces for diverse students.
The scholarships, established in 2018 by John and Marcy McCall MacBain, have supported more than 60 students from Niagara Falls to pursue their postsecondary studies so far, while also helping them grow as leaders and responsible community members. Inspired by John’s early years in Niagara Falls and the scholarships he subsequently received, the program is designed to invest in young people who show a commitment to making positive change.
I believe when you give young people the right support, they can transform their own future as well as the future of our communities. Marcy and I welcome this new cohort and look forward to all the great ways in which these young people will grow and contribute to making Niagara Falls and Canada stronger and more prosperous.
John McCall MacBain, OC
Through financial support, the scholarship enables students to explore programs and institutions they might not have otherwise considered, including those farther from home. This year, 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.
The scholarship program also encourages students to grow their horizons through volunteering on their campus and in surrounding communities, taking on leadership roles, and participating in international experiences.
Applications for the 2027 cohort will open in September 2026. For more information, go here.
The 2026 MacBain Niagara Falls Scholarship recipients are: Oluwadarasimi Akamo (Saint Michael Catholic High School), Justin Austin (A. N. Myer Secondary School), Mansi Bhandari (A. N. Myer Secondary School), Cora Duncan (Stamford Collegiate), Jana El Zuway (Saint Michael Catholic High School), Troy Fleming (A. N. Myer Secondary School), Ashley Ireland (Westlane Secondary School), Rosan Karahan (Westlane Secondary School), Jordan Lennox (Saint Paul Catholic High School), Meredith Marrie (Saint Paul Catholic High School ), Cole Ridgway (A. N. Myer Secondary School), Hudson Rufrano (Saint Paul Catholic High School),Haesung Shin(Westlane Secondary School), Sophia Van Dyke (A. N. Myer Secondary School).
Learn more about this year’s recipients here.
The 2026 MacBain Niagara Falls Finalist Award recipients are: Aiden Bui (Stamford Collegiate), Ana Cebic (A. N. Myer Secondary School), Lexy George (A. N. Myer Secondary School), Ismahan Hersi (Stamford Collegiate), Anthony Huang (A. N. Myer Secondary School), Larissa Ioannoni (Saint Michael Catholic High School), Hafsa Irfan (Stamford Collegiate), Temitayo Okuneso (Saint Paul Catholic High School), Prinsha Pokharel (Saint Michael Catholic High School), Daniel Rahal (Westlane Secondary School), Ella Sacco (Saint Paul Catholic High School), Ayzah Shafi (A. N. Myer Secondary School), Andréa Topp (Westlane Secondary School).