MacBain Niagara Falls Scholarship Recipients 2024

Shahad is a volunteer Reading Buddy, helping children practice their reading at the Niagara Falls Public Library. She has also volunteered as a math homework helper at the Library and an English tutor for an ESL student. She has worked as a student math teacher at the Niagara District School Board’s summer program. She learnt coding through online resources and built her own video game at the age of 13. Shahad is a co-founder of the Girls-in-STEM Club and co-leader of the French Club at her school. She has been a member of the Mental Health Club, Team of Inclusion Equity and Diversity, Crochet for Comfort, and Student Advisory Committee.

Kaytlan is the Co-president of the Westlane Art Club, where she organizes events and workshops and uses online platforms like Twitch and Discord to bring other like-minded artists together to learn and share. She is an active Niagara District School Board Arts Council member, organizing and promoting events that bridge the school with local artists and the community. She was part of the organizing team for Coffee Houses to provide entertainment for students and parents. She has also worked as a cashier at a retail store and host at several restaurants.

Francesca has been involved in student affairs activities since sixth grade and serves as the Student Council President. She is also an active member of the Key Club, where she participates in community clean-ups, makes Christmas cards to support a local charity, and organizes events to support Women’s Place of South Niagara and the Thirst Project. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked at a struggling local marketplace to help keep it afloat. Francesca has campaigned to raise awareness and funds for mental health causes through the Kids Help Phone Line at her school. She also works as a barista at a café.

Michael serves on the City of Niagara Falls Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee where he was involved with The Green Movement, a series of incentives-driven actions to reduce carbon footprint. He plays badminton and chess and is Co-Chair of the Athletic Council. He served as a Co-facilitator for Relay for Life, bringing local sponsors and fundraising to support the Canadian Cancer Society. He was a peer leader for REACT, a youth-led action group that educated and advocated for healthy lifestyles for the Niagara Region Public Health. Michael also serves as a Youth Leader for COMPASS, a Brock University research and engagement initiative for youth health.

Michaiah is a member of the University of Toronto’s PursueSTEM and the Lifelong Leadership Institute’s Leadership By Design program, where she facilitates discussions on climate change and the environment, and engages in STEM projects. She co-founded Roots Club to create a sense of allyship between Black and Non-Black students and uses the platform to fundraise for Black community-serving non-profits and educate students on the contributions of Black Canadians. In Grade 10, Michaiah was elected as the LEOS Club President, where she helped raise money for children fighting cancer. She has worked at an architecture firm and has served as the Chair of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council.

Charlotte is an elected Student Trustee to the Niagara Catholic District School Board. She has been part of the Student Council for four years serving on the tech team and the spirit and social team. She currently serves as its President. She was a travel soccer player and has played at the Ontario Player Development League for three seasons; Charlotte is now training to be a coach. She led her school board’s “Time To Shine Formal”, creating a space for students from different schools to interact and have fun. Charlotte also performs as a vocalist for various music groups. She works as a tutor for a local student.

Megan is a Social Media Coordinator for the Athletic Council, where she engages her peers in the school’s athletic events, contributing to student community building. She also actively takes part in social work, exceeding targets for a fundraising initiative for a family fighting cancer at the Ronald McDonald House. Megan has been a cheerleader who now coaches other students at a local gym. She volunteers to provide care to vulnerable animals at the Welland Humane Society. Megan has also worked as a host at a restaurant and as a guest services worker in the local tourism industry.