Black & McDonald is pleased to introduce the recipients of our inaugural Centennial Scholarship Program.
The scholarships were created as a celebration of our 100th anniversary and award $3,000 each to 16 applicants in Canada and two applicants in the United States.
Alberta Region
Isabela Lacson
University of Calgary, Chemistry
Isabela Lacson lives in Calgary, Alberta and is the daughter of Evelyn Vendiola, an HR Generalist for the Alberta Region. She is an Honour Roll high school student, an active volunteer in her community, and a certified classical guitarist through the Royal Conservatory of Music. Isabela has a passion for the environmental sector and feels she has an obligation to find solutions to slow down climate change.
British Columbia Region
Staijan Kim
University of British Columbia, Applied Science
Staijan Kim lives in Kelowna, B.C. and is the son of Joon Kim, a Zone Mechanic working at the Kelowna General Hospital. Staijan also worked as a summer student for B&M at Kelowna General Hospital last summer. He has a passion for energy sustainability projects and plans to use his education to improve the world around him. Staijan aspires to contribute to an innovation that will help change the world.
Saskatchewan Region
Brooklyn Rysavy
University of Saskatchewan – College of Kinesiology, Exercise & Sport Studies
Brooklyn Rysavy lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and is the daughter of Nathan Rysavy, a Project Manager with Saskatoon Construction. Brooklyn is a current student at University of Saskatchewan’s College of Kinesiology where she studies Exercise and Sport. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to continue her studies at a chiropractic college with the goal of owning her own holistic clinic.
Manitoba Region
Milan Sabourin
Red River College Polytechnic, Nursing
Milan Sabourin lives in Dufresne, Manitoba and is the daughter of Richard Sabourin, Operations Manager for the Manitoba FMO team. She is currently enrolled in the Nursing Program at Red River College Polytechnic. Milan has worked as a Health Care Aide for four years and continues to work on a casual basis during the school year by picking up nightshifts.
Southern Ontario FMO & Service Region
Michael Di Fonzo
Western University, Mechanical Engineering
Michael Di Fonzo lives in Markham, Ontario and is the son of Matthew Di Fonzo, a HVAC Technician working for GTA Service. Michael is a high school student who hopes to attend Western University and study Mechanical Engineering. He is an Honour Roll student, an active volunteer, and a competitive hockey player. He is also a member of Jack Chapters, an organization that identifies and dismantles barriers to mental health in the community.
Southern Ontario Utility Region
Lauren Bambek
Toronto Metropolitan University, Psychology
Lauren Bambek lives in Scarborough, Ontario and is the daughter of Deborah Bambek, Executive Assistant reporting to Chuck Mossman. Lauren is currently completing her second year of a four-year degree. Lauren has selected a Minor in Criminology and plans on completing a graduate degree followed by a PhD. Her goal is to become a forensic psychologist, allowing her to combine her interests of psychology and true crime.
Southern Ontario Mechanical Electrical Region
Tamara Krcanoska
University of Toronto, Sociology & English
Tamara Krcanoska lives in Whitby, Ontario and is the daughter of Rozita Krcanoska, a Senior Project Manager working in mechanical construction. Tamara is a dancer who has helped choreograph various musicals throughout her high school years. Tamara has completed her first year at the University of Toronto with honours. She is currently completing an undergraduate degree in Sociology and English.
Southern Ontario Mechanical Electrical Region
Jasmine Ratac
University of Waterloo, Kinesiology
Jasmine Ratac lives in Oshawa, Ontario and is the daughter of Richard Ratac, an Estimator for Electrical Tenant. Jasmine is a third-year student at University of Waterloo, where she studies Kinesiology and has maintained the Dean’s Honour List throughout her academic career. Jasmine has specialized in rehabilitation and hopes to open a clinic in her community where access to these services is limited.
U.S. Region
Jazhiel Segura Monroy
UT Austin, Electrical Engineering
Jazhiel Segura Monroy lives in Austin, Texas and is the son of Maria Segura, a Meter Reader in the Texas Utility Division. Jazhiel is a 2022 high school graduate and Valedictorian, and he will attend UT Austin, Electrical Engineering as a first-generation college student. Jazhiel is an accomplished student, published research author, and involved in numerous clubs and internships in the STEM field.
U.S. Region
Eperance Ukanda
Houston Baptist University, Biology
Eperance Ukanda lives in Elgin, Texas and is the daughter of Michel Ukanda, the Lead Meter Reader in the Texas Utility Division. Eperance is currently studying Biology at Houston Baptist University and is working toward her dream of becoming a pediatrician to help children, particularly those suffering from sickle cell disease. Aside from becoming a pediatrician, Eperance hopes to establish her own foundation to assist sickle cell disease patients.
Corporate / Corporate Services Group Region
Isabel Newman
University of Waterloo, Mathematics
Isabel Newman lives in Markham, Ontario and is the daughter of Neal Newman, Corporate Procurement Lead. Isabel is a 2022 high school Honour Roll graduate. She is fluent in three languages: English, French and German. Isabel plans to study math, which has always been her favourite and strongest subject in school. Her dream is to become a mathematician and a teacher.
Northern Ontario Region
Evelyn He
University of Toronto, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Evelyn He lives in Ottawa, Ontario and is the daughter of Jiantao He, a Building Operator at the Canadian War Museum. Evelyn is a first-year student at the University of Toronto where she studies Electrical and Computer Engineering. Outside of school, Evelyn is active in the swimming community as a teacher, lifeguard, and volunteer. Evelyn is on the Dean’s Honour List and participates in numerous STEM-related clubs and competitions.
Quebec Region
Gabrielle Aubin
Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM), Bachelor of Education
Gabrielle Aubin lives in Chambly, Quebec and is the stepdaughter of Proposal Manager Daniel Gagnon. Gabrielle is a current student at Université du Québec à Montréal and is completing her third year in the Bachelor of Education, preschool, and elementary program. Gabrielle plans to pursue a Master of Education with a focus on special education. In her studies to date, Gabrielle has maintained high grades and recently received a scholarship of excellence for future teachers.
Atlantic Region
Alex Henri
Université de Moncton, Bachelor of Music
Alex Henri lives in Dieppe, New Brunswick and is the son of Adrien Henri, an Estimator/Project Manager for NB Commercial Electrical. At the Université de Moncton, Alex is specializing in percussion. He has played at several music events, including the Atlantic Festival of Music in Halifax and the Montreal Music Festival. Alex serves his community by participating in environmental clean ups and helping elderly neighbours with their daily tasks.
Southwest Ontario Region
Christopher Mino
Brock University, Computer Game Programming
Christopher Mino lives in St. Catherine’s, Ontario and is the son of Regional Controller Brian Mino. Christopher is a recent high school grad where he maintained honours while participating in many school events and clubs, including the chess and robotics clubs. He also has extensive volunteering experience, including Comicon conventions and was named the multi-year winner for highest fundraiser for the Niagara Walk for Muscular Dystrophy.
Roberts Onsite
Rachel Correia
McMaster University, Master of Public Health
Rachel Correia lives in Cambridge, Ontario and is the daughter of Fernando Correia, Mechanical Foreman. Rachel is currently completing her Master of Public Health at McMaster University. She is a Dean’s Honour List student and currently serves as the Co-Vice President of Communications for the Master of Public Health Association. Rachel is also a volunteer at Cambridge Memorial Hospital and has been involved in sports throughout her life.
Canadian Base Operators
Siarra Blight
Red River College Polytechnic, Professional Baking & Pastry Program
Siarra Blight lives in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba and is the daughter of Sandy Blight, an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter. Siarra will enroll in the Professional Baking and Pastry Program at Red River College Polytechnic. She is an active community member with volunteer experience with Students Working Against Tobacco, and Sources of Strength, a youth suicide prevention project. Siarra’s dream is to return to her hometown after graduation and open a bakery.
Power Generation Region
Caroline Ash
St. Francis Xavier University, Business Administration
Caroline Ash lives in Newmarket, Ontario and is the daughter of Martyn Ash, the General Foreman at the Pickering site. Caroline is a 2022 high school graduate who maintained Honour Roll standing throughout school. As an athlete, she has shifted her focus to competitive running and recently represented Team Canada at the Pan Am Cross Country Championships in Serra Brazil in March 2022. At St. Francis Xavier University, she will run Cross Country and Track for the school.
Scholarship Presentations
