MacBain Niagara Falls Scholarship Recipients 2020
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Sofia Acevedo
Saint Michael Catholic High School
Chemistry and French, Trent University
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| An active member of her school community, Sofia served as President of her school’s Eco Club, as a member of the EQAO Advisory Committee, and as President of the Student Council last year. Sofia petitioned the student body to host a pep rally for mental health awareness, aiming to make her school a more inclusive community. Sofia also served as Principal Liaison for the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee, allowing her to advocate for students and plan events to encourage youth to become more involved in their community. Sofia was a guitarist with her school band, a flyer with her school’s cheerleading team, and has played on her school’s volleyball, basketball and rugby team. Thanks to her passion for guitar, Sofia won third place in the Niagara region at a guitar competition. |
Olivia Sargeson
Stamford Collegiate
Political Science, Brock University
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| Olivia was an engaged member of her school community. Over the course of her high school career, she served as a Link Crew Leader, mentoring grade 9 students entering high school to ensure they felt comfortable and welcomed, as a Student Council Representative, as a member of Stamford’s Mental Health and Wellness Committee, as a Scribe for grade 9 students EQAO practice, and as a Representative for Stamford Collegiate to the Student Senate of the DSBN. As Representative to the Student Senate, Olivia had a responsibility to her school and the broader community to uphold standards related to mental health and wellness, and to ensure the voices of her peers were heard. Olivia has also volunteered for the Salvation Army, MAD Kids, and with the NDP in their 2018 campaign. She has completed the National Lifesaving Society program and serves as a swim instructor. |
Julia Savoie
Saint Paul Catholic High School
Human Kinetics, University of Guelph
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| Julia is an avid athlete, and played on her school’s squash team, volleyball team, basketball team, as well as serving as captain of her varsity soccer team. She was an active member of her student body, and has served as her school’s Student Council President, Vice President, and Spirit Coordinator, as well as a member of Mathletes, and as a camp leader for Patriot Muskoka Camp, which welcomes grade eight students to SPCHS. In her community, Julia was a committee member on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee, where she was part of a group who petitioned for the elimination of plastic straws to diminish waste in schools. Julia also dances competitively. |
Jessica Zheng
A.N. Myer Secondary School
Software Engineering, University of Waterloo
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| Recognizing the contributions her community has made to her development since childhood, Jessica has dedicated her volunteering time to the YMCA in the aquatics department, teaching visitors about Buddhism at the local temple, and serving on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC), specifically the Giving Back sub-committee. Jessica is an avid athlete, and developed a keen interest in high school in the sport of curling, becoming an integral member of her school team, a competitive team, and local club leagues. As a DSBN Student Senate Trustee and member of MYAC, Jessica spearheaded mental health initiatives with MYAC that took place at several Niagara Falls high schools to support efforts to destigmatize mental health struggles. As a SHAD alumnus, Jessica now acts as an ambassador for the organization, encouraging fellow youth to apply to the summer-long STEAM-focused enrichment program. |