British Columbia Region

Alena Fernandez

Emily Carr University of Art & Design, Vancouver

Alena Fernandez, daughter of Diego Fernandez, Senior Regional Controller for Western Canada, has recently been accepted to the Emily Carr University of Art & Design. Alena’s remarkable and inspiring life story about how she has achieved several professional and personal goals despite struggling with debilitating, life-long mental and physical health disabilities is a true testament to the strength, perseverance, and endurance of the human spirit.

From achieving high academic results throughout her schooling, pushing herself physically to participate in numerous sports, and channeling her inner artist through drawing and painting, Alena strongly demonstrates the qualities of resilience, dedication, hard work and excellence that aligns with our B&M ethos. Inspite of her personal challenges, and perhaps because of them, Alena wants to pursue her university education with the selfless goals of making a difference in the world through artistic expression and using her talents in therapeutic settings to help improve the lives of others struggling with similar disabilities.

We wish her all the success in achieving her life goals and fulfilling her dreams.

Saskatchewan Region

Brooklyn Rysavy

University of Saskatchewan College of Kinesiology, Exercise & Sport Studies

Brooklyn Rysavy, daughter of Nathan Rysavy, Project Manager for Saskatoon Construction is currently studying Exercise and Sport.

After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to move on to Chiropractic College with the ultimate goal of owning her own holistic clinic with a variety of medical professionals. 

She is an active member and volunteer of the basketball and volleyball community. Brooklyn is also an accomplished musician playing piano, teaching children, and working at Long & McQuade. 

Brooklyn says the Black & McDonald Scholarship would allow her to focus on studies and provide more time to work in the community to help younger children in Saskatchewan get involved in physical activity and sports.

With her passion and commitment, we are confident Brooklyn will achieve her goals and make a significant impact in the lives of many. 

Alberta Region

Tyler Nagy

University of Calgary
Bachelor’s degree in Commerce

Tyler Nagy, son of Melissa Nagy, Billing Clerk in the Alberta Region, is an honour roll student excelling in physics and math. He has a keen interest in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in commerce with a concentration in accounting. Alongside his academic achievements, Tyler has showcased his athletic skills in wrestling and cross country, reaching provincials in both sports this year. His passion for wrestling is evident as he plans to continue competing at the university level.

Tyler is also an active community member, participating in various volunteer activities such as fixing downspouts and other repairs in his townhouse complex, and running in events to raise funds for the Alberta Children’s Hospital. His work experience includes a two-year tenure at Monster Mini Golf, where he hosts parties and manages the front desk, demonstrating his ability to balance work, academics, and sports effectively.

Tyler’s educational goal is to become a successful accountant. He plans to focus on his studies while also networking with professionals in the field to gain deeper insights. Tyler’s perseverance and ability to balance work, academics, and sports make him an outstanding candidate for the B&M Centennial Scholarship.

Southern Ontario Utility Region

Lydia Brindley

University of Toronto
Global Professional Master of Law

Lydia Brindley, daughter of Andrew Brindley, Inventory Coordinator for the Southern Ontario Utility Region, is currently attending Queen’s University in Belfast and her chosen field of study is law. 

Lydia was chosen last year to be the Queen’s University global student ambassador, allowing her to represent the School of Law and the greater Queen’s student body in both Belfast and Canada. After completing her studies abroad, she will attend the University of Toronto to begin the final stages of her educational path towards practising law in Ontario, with the ultimate goal of achieving her Global Professional Master of Law (GPLLM).

Lydia is a second time recipient of the Black & McDonald Centennial Scholarship. She was initially awarded this scholarship last year, and it significantly benefited her studies, aiding her in achieving her personal and professional goals. 

Lydia and her family have endured major health setbacks beginning in 2017 and unfortunately some of these setbacks are permanent from which they will not recover. The scholarship has and will help tremendously with offsetting costs and emotional stress related to their financial need. It has allowed her to persevere and continue with her studies working towards and achieving her goals.

We are confident that this continued support will further enable Lydia to excel in her academic pursuits and future career in law.

Southern Ontario Mechanical Electrical Region

Lyndsey Jordan

George Brown College
Sheet Metal Apprenticeship

Lyndsey, daughter of James Jordan, an Electrician from SOMER, is entering her third year of apprenticeship.

She began her apprenticeship when she was 17 and will be eligible to write her Sheet Metal licence after completing two more school sessions.

Lyndsey sought a career that she could work with her hands in. She preferred this over choosing a career with reading and writing as she disclosed in her application that she has dyslexia.

Although some would allow this to hold them back, she ensured she worked to her highest ability throughout high school and earned many awards for her academic excellence.

In addition to her academic achievements, Lyndsey was active in student council during high school.

She has also worked as a tutor, farm labourer, and has gained experience in her field of study, sheet metal. Her interests also include horseback riding, figure skating, and working on cars. 

Lyndsey’s perseverance, dedication, and hands-on skills make her a deserving recipient of the Black & McDonald Centennial Scholarship.

Southern Ontario FMO Region

Erica Fu

Royal Military College of Canada
Honours Computer Science and Mathematics

Erica Fu, daughter of Li Fu, an HVAC Technician at Women’s College Hospital, is entering her third year at the Royal Military College of Canada, where she is pursuing an Honours degree in Computer Science with a Minor in Mathematics.

Throughout high school, Erica earned the highest marks in several subjects, including physics, math, computer science, and music. An accomplished musician, Erica also received her Associate Diploma in piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music at a young age. She has taught piano to young students, tutored music throughout high school, and continues to perform at university events.

Erica has always been active in volunteerism and was awarded the Lieutenant-Governor’s Community Volunteer Award for her extensive volunteer work with non-profit youth organizations, libraries, and church groups in her community. She is also a skilled athlete, having trained competitively in badminton, taekwondo, and swimming. She was named captain of her high school badminton club and is currently the captain of the Royal Military College’s taekwondo team as a third-degree black belt.

Erica’s passion for helping others led her to join the Canadian Armed Forces, where she serves as an active military member. As an officer cadet, she balances her studies with her commitments to bilingualism, fitness, and military training. We are confident that Erica will continue to inspire as an aerospace engineering officer in the military, embodying the motto of serving her country before herself.

Southern Ontario Fabrication Engineering & Design Region

Natasha Kilby

Humber College
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Natasha Kilby, daughter of Dale Kilby, a Department Manager at Pullman Court, is a 2024 high school graduate ready to start her journey to becoming a Registered Nurse. She has been accepted into the Bachelor of Science Nursing program at Humber College. Natasha is an honor roll student who is also an accomplished swimmer and swim instructor.

Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Natasha remained active, playing on the Girls’ Varsity Rugby and Softball teams this year. Her drive to help others fuels her desire to pursue a career in health care.

As an avid swimmer, she competed with the Brampton Lifesaving Club swim team and now coaches the team. She supports the swimming community by working as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and Aquatic Supervisor. 

Natasha continues to pursue various aquatic safety certifications through the Lifesaving Society.

The Black & McDonald Centennial Scholarship will help her with tuition expenses as she begins her undergraduate studies in Nursing.

Natasha’s journey reflects a deep commitment to service and community. As she embarks on her path to becoming a Registered Nurse, we are confident that her dedication and hard work will positively impact many lives.

Power Generation Region

Marissa Harry

Toronto Metropolitan University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Marissa Harry, daughter of Douglas Smith, a Heavy Duty Mechanic, is entering her fourth year in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Her goal is to become a nurse practitioner after becoming a registered nurse. Prior to attending university, Marrisa graduated as valedictorian from George Harvey Collegiate Institute while earning her OSSD. While there, she was a peer tutor for grade 9 students and a member of the library club, planning and implementing cultural events at the school.

This past year marked Marissa’s first year back in person at university since the COVID-19 pandemic, and she has made the most of it by engaging in various school groups. Alongside her classes and school activities, she has been working since the age of 10 and is currently employed as a personal support worker at Willowgrove Long-term Care Residence. This role allows her to make a difference in her community while gaining valuable nursing experience. Despite her busy schedule, Marissa has maintained a 3.7 GPA at TMU.

Upon graduation, Marissa aims to become an obstetric nurse and work with disadvantaged groups, focusing on addressing the disproportionately high rates of maternal death among Black women.

With this scholarship, Marissa plans to volunteer more in the healthcare field to gain valuable experience towards her future career.

Canadian Base Operators

Alexander Manley

Georgian College
Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Alexander, son of Christina Manley, a Supervisor at CBO, is entering his third year in the nursing program. He is an honour roll student who has consistently made the dean’s list each semester with a GPA of over 80%.

Alex combines academic excellence with active volunteering and community involvement. He aspires to become both a critical care paramedic and a registered nurse.

Alex volunteers at Saint John Ambulance and is an active member of the Georgian Nursing Society club. During the summers, he works in multiple long-term care homes, and has earned several certificates which are further evidence to his dedication and desire to help people in need.

Alex stays active through sports, playing rugby for Barrie RFC, hockey for his Georgian College campus, and soccer for a local team in Hanover, Ontario. He is a well-rounded individual who cares deeply about his community, personal development, and his vision to help others. 

We are confident that Alex’s passion and perseverance, supported by the Black & McDonald Centennial Scholarship will lead him to achieve his goals and inspire others.

Southwest Ontario Region

Carreira Ferro

Western University
Arts & Humanities/Psychology

Carreira Ferro, daughter of Rhonda Simmonds, Executive Assistant at Stoney Creek, will be graduating from high school this year and pursuing post-secondary education at Western University, focusing on Arts & Humanities/Psychology. It has been her lifelong dream to work in the field of child and youth psychology.

Carreira has achieved a great deal despite overcoming many obstacles. She is hard-working and spends hours volunteering for school activities with children and helping her peers. In addition to volunteer roles with the school play, children’s dance academies, and kids’ camps, she has held part-time jobs since she was 15, working in restaurants as a hostess and now starting a summer job. She also participated in the school’s first-ever cheerleading team, which taught her the importance of teamwork, communication skills, and school spirit. They placed 6th at the OFSAA finals, and Carreira says the most important lesson was that “They did their best and they had fun while doing it!”

Carreira demonstrates a strong work ethic in everything she does, earning honours in both grade 11 and grade 12. She is determined to be the first person in her family to obtain a university degree, a dream made more challenging by being raised in a single-income home.

Carreira embodies all the values important to Black & McDonald, and we are confident that awarding her this scholarship will help her achieve her goals and thrive in the future.

Roberts Onsite

Tyler Van Ry

Ontario Tech University
Mechanical Engineering

Tyler Van Ry, son of Dustin Van Ry, Project Manager at Roberts Onsite will be graduating from high school this year and pursuing post-secondary education at Ontario Tech University. It has been Tyler’s dream to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, working in motorsport.

Tyler is a well-rounded young man involved in various school clubs and sports. He served on the high school leadership committee, spent two years in the DECA business competition (one year as a member and one as co-president), and led the EV Racing Club. He is highly committed to sports, playing high school football, ultimate frisbee, and swimming. His community involvement includes volunteering at the food bank, senior dinners, and hockey tournaments. Over the years, Tyler has held numerous jobs, from babysitting and umpiring to working as a general labourer, swim instructor, and lifeguard.

Tyler also spearheads his school’s electric vehicle racing group and plans to join the university’s Formula SAE team to work with larger budgets and gain experience with higher performance parts. He is both “really excited and absolutely terrified to take this next step in life.” Receiving this scholarship will provide him with the financial security to focus on his studies, participate in school activities, join clubs, and play sports without needing a part-time job.

We are confident that Tyler’s dedication and passion will lead him to achieve his goals and inspire others in the field of mechanical engineering.

Atlantic Region

Owen Searle

University of New Brunswick
Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Owen Searle, son of Mark Searle, Department Manager at the Moncton Office, has always had a passion for engineering.

His dedication to advanced courses in Math, English, and Science earned him high honours throughout high school, laying a solid foundation for his future.

Now, he is on the path to becoming an engineer, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton.

Owen is also a star athlete, excelling in volleyball, soccer, and hockey. As Captain of the Major U18 Saint John Vito’s, he earned the title of playoff MVP. His talent secured him a draft spot with the Fredericton Red Wings and a silver medal at the U19 ball hockey nationals.

Active in the community, Owen volunteers regularly and has received three consecutive “Most Sportsmanlike” awards and the Roger Brown Award for being a respectful and active student.

Owen’s vision is clear: to use engineering to solve global issues like sustainable energy and infrastructure.

Supported by the Black & McDonald Centennial Scholarship, Owen is ready to make a global impact.

Northern Ontario Region

Alyssa Bolk

St. Lawrence College
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Alyssa Bolk, from Lansdowne, Ontario, is the daughter of Wilfred Bolk, a Project Manager in the Northern Ontario Region. She is a dedicated young woman who spends significant time giving back to her community.

Alyssa will be attending St. Lawrence College in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) program this upcoming year.

With an impressive GPA of 3.9, she has been asked to be a class mentor due to her academic achievements. Alyssa has also tutored several first-year students throughout the year. Beyond academics, she dedicates considerable time to volunteering on weekends and engaging with people of all ages, especially youth.

Alyssa is a committed student who consistently seeks to help others within her community. Her dedication to her studies and community service is truly inspiring, and we are confident that she will continue to make a positive impact in the field of nursing.

We are proud to offer her the Black & McDonald Centennial Scholarship.

Quebec Region

Benjamin Lafleur

Université Laval
Masters in Business Administration

Benjamin Lafleur, from Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec, is the son of Luc Lafleur from the Electrical group.

He is a driven individual with a passion for both sport and business, and he has clear goals for his future. Benjamin is currently attending Laval University to obtain his Master of Business Administration.

Benjamin is determined to achieve his dream of working in the world of professional sports, whether with the Cincinnati Bengals or a Formula 1 team. He is highly active within his university, competing in seven inter-university competitions in business administration, including the Jeux du commerce (three times), the HRM Symposium (twice), the Financial Open, and the Marketing Happening.

Benjamin believes that pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a focus on sports management or sports marketing, will be crucial for his future career.

His ambitious goals and determination make him an excellent candidate for the Black & McDonald Centennial Scholarship.

Corporate/Corporate Services Group Region

Jackson Murphy

Queen’s University
Bachelor of Applied Science – Civil Engineering

Jackson, son of Jennifer Murphy, an IT Vendor & Contract Specialist in CSG, has shown dedication to school and community engagement from his early days at Brooklin High School to his current studies at Queen’s University. 

From volunteering and fundraising in high school to his involvement in three clubs and associations at Queen’s, Jackson has demonstrated a passion for learning and helping his community. He participates in the Queen’s Bridge Building Team, Queen’s Concrete Canoe Team, and Queen’s Global Energy Conference, all while maintaining a GPA of 3.71 and achieving the Dean’s Scholar award each year.

Jackson is passionate about sustainable energy in Canada and has a personal goal to become a leading professional engineer in this field and contribute to the future of the industry.

His goals and values align with those of Black & McDonald, making him an ideal candidate for the Centennial Scholarship.

U.S. Region

Brylie Parks

Clackamas Community College
Nursing

Brylie, daughter of Benjamin Parks, a Foreman with Portland Utilities, will be a first-generation college student, enrolling in the nursing program. Brylie has impressive academic accomplishments, maintaining a GPA of over 4.0, and will be graduating as valedictorian with academic honours.

In addition to her academic success, Brylie is active in sports, playing varsity softball since her freshman year and earning first team all-conference honours. She is also deeply involved in her community, participating in food drives, helping feed families, and organizing fundraisers for children in need and for Medical Teams International, a humanitarian aid agency. Brylie also finds time to tutor students in math and history.

Brylie has a passion for helping others and believes that by becoming a nurse, she will make a positive impact on people and the community. She holds the belief that there is no greater gift than giving back to others.

The Black & McDonald Centennial Scholarship will provide her with the academic freedom and opportunities that her family never had.

We are confident that her commitment to helping others will lead Brylie to make a significant impact in the field of nursing.

U.S. Region

Brayleigh Darnell

Eastern Kentucky University
Psychology

Brayleigh, daughter of Brad Darnell, an Estimator/General Foreman with the REC group, aspires to become a psychologist, aiming to make a meaningful contribution to the field of mental health, specifically focusing on children. Brayleigh believes that mental well-being in childhood lays the foundation for a healthier adulthood and is passionate about promoting this cause throughout her future career.

Brayleigh has a strong commitment to excellence and has challenged herself academically. She has taken advanced placement, honours, and dual-credit courses throughout high school, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Outside the classroom, Brayleigh is passionate about dancing. She has been a member of her high school dance team and crowned Grand Champion thrice. She has also been on Dance Elite Etc’s competition team for 11 years and has performed at the Dance Worlds Finals global stage twice.

Brayleigh’s passion for dance has provided her the opportunity to work with children from diverse backgrounds and with unique challenges, further reinforcing her desire to pursue a career in psychology.

The Black & McDonald Centennial Scholarship will help Brayleigh achieve her educational and career goals while alleviating the financial burden of pursuing higher education.