Alberta Region

Kacy Ogston

LaSalle College, Costume for Cinema & Television DEC Program

Kacy is the daughter of Steven Ogston from our Alberta Region. She is an entrepreneur, seamstress, and designer and has recently been accepted into the Fall 2023 semester for the Costume for Cinema and Television DEC program at Montreal’s LaSalle College.  She started working at a very early age and currently runs her own business specializing in acrobatic and aerial arts costumes. Her ultimate career goal is to work for the Montreal-based, global entertainment company Cirque Du Soleil.

Her profile is that of a hard-working businesswoman who has built and run numerous entrepreneurial ventures, while also being actively involved in giving back to her community and volunteering abroad. Examples include preparing lunches for students with the Brown Bagging for Calgary Kids program and her work with the Salvation Army. She also just returned from an overseas volunteer experience in Machame Mashariki, Tanzania this past March where she helped build a school in that community.

British Columbia Region

Caroline Lovei

Criminology Program, Douglas College

Caroline Lovei is the daughter of Pal Lovei in our BC Region. She is currently enrolled in the Criminology program at Douglas College working towards a diploma. Her ultimate goal is to become a crisis intervention officer with the RCMP. A consistent theme throughout her application is her selfless nature and passion for helping people who have suffered tragedies in their lives, including accident victims and victims of violent crime.

Aside from her excellent grades (3.04 GPA) she has been an active volunteer as a student coach for her local soccer club which won several tournaments including the Coastal Cup.

Her giving and caring nature is further illustrated in the volunteer work she did through her employer to help families in need over Christmas and a fundraiser for the Fraser Valley flood victims.

This is an individual that will make a difference in her local community with her passion for helping others and through her training as a future RCMP crisis intervention officer.

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, Project Manager for Saskatoon Construction. 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 graduated from the University of Saskatchewan – College of Kinesiology, studying Exercise and Sport.  After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to move on to a Chiropractic College with the goal to ultimately own a holistic clinic alongside other medical professionals.  Brooklyn says the scholarship would allow her to focus on her studies and provide more time to work in the community to help younger children in Saskatchewan get involved in physical activity and sports.

Manitoba Region

Kya Jackson-Leclair

University of Alberta, Bachelor of Science

Kya lives in Edmonton, AB, and is the daughter of Arlen Eyolfson, an estimator working for the Manitoba Construction Department. Kya has an impressive level of community/school engagement starting in the early years of high school to the present day at UofA.

She is currently double majoring in biological sciences & psychology and is also studying for the MCAT in order to pursue her goal of becoming an MD.

Kya is an active member of her community, plays competitive ringette, takes a double major, works part-time, and is studying for the MCAT all while maintaining a 3.8 GPA.

She has a clear passion to better herself, help others in her community, and live an active lifestyle. Her goal of one day becoming a Medical Doctor is definitely attainable with this level of dedication.

Southern Ontario FMO Region

Emilia Pires

Toronto Metropolitan University, Bachelor of Science Nursing

Emilia plans on attending (Ryerson) Toronto Metropolitan University and her field of study is a Bachelor of Science Nursing – a 4-year program. Emilia lives in Toronto Ontario and is the daughter of Dan Pires, Project Manager, Heating and combustion for the GTA.

Emilia is extremely active in student leadership and has been the Richview Collegiate interactive cultural education club president for the past two years. She is an honor roll student and has achieved a 94% average this year. She volunteers at Sick Kids Hospital and once she completes her degree, she wishes to pursue a master’s in nursing or nurse practitioner degree; she plans to work in pediatric care.

She enjoys painting and drawing in her free time as it helps manage stress and it allows her to express her creative side.

Southern Ontario Region

Madison Langley

Queen’s University, Masters of Science (Chemistry)

Madison lives in Kingston, and is the daughter of Chris Langley, a department manager in the Southern Ontario Electrical Mechanical Region. She is currently finishing her bachelor’s degree at Queen’s University and will continue her education next semester by completing her Master of Science in Chemistry.

Madison is a bright student, as she has completed her Smith School of Business Certificate while also being in an accelerated chemistry program at her university. She works as a research assistant in analytical chemistry and has presented this research at several conferences during her education. This research’s goal is to help geochemical exploration become more sustainable/eco-friendly and the results will be used in a laboratory in Ancaster. She also has joined many clubs since attending Queens and loves immersing herself in the community.

Her goals are to finish her master’s degree at Queens and continue to get her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, where she will be able to continue her research. This scholarship would help her with the financial costs of attending post-secondary school and would help her to become an expert in her field where she can help the global chemistry community.

Southern Ontario Region

Lydia Brindley

Law (Senior Status) LLB Honours, Queens University

Lydia is attending Queens University in Belfast where she is studying Law. Her father is Andrew Brindley, Inventory Coordinator for street lighting in Southern Ontario. Lydia lived in Pickering and completed a bachelor’s degree at McGill University, she is now attending the University of Belfast and will finish her Law degree there.

This scholarship helps ease the financial burden on her family. Lydia has participated in a wide variety of volunteer efforts and school activities both here and abroad. Unfortunately, Lydia injured herself and had to have surgery, so this past year has been extremely challenging for her and her family. However, she has persevered and has set goals to become a lawyer and continue studying as a first-generation student at Queens University.

She hopes to make her mark as a lawyer not only helping her family but also those in need and struggling.

Southern Ontario Region

Madison Francisco

Bachelor of Commerce in Health Management, Humber College

Madison Francisco lives in Toronto, Ontario, and is the daughter of Silvino Francisco, Foreman at Southern Ontario Electrical Construction. Madison is a 2023 high school graduate who looks forward to starting her studies in the healthcare industry. She is a dedicated honour roll student and active community volunteer with an interest in the outdoors, swimming, and assisting in the care of children as a swimming team volunteer and camp counselor. Madison has a dedicated work ethic and will work both a full-time and part-time job over the summer months to save funds for university.

She plans to attend Humber College’s Bachelor of Commerce in Health Management and hopes to pursue her MBA and specialize as a Business Manager in healthcare. Ultimately, her goal is to make an impact and improve the healthcare system.

U.S. Region

Jazhiel Segura-Monroy

Electrical & Computer Engineering (Honours), University of Texas

Jazhiel Segura-Monroy lives in Austin, Texas, and is the son of Maria Segura, Administrative Assistant in the Texas Utility Division. He has completed his first year at UT Austin, Electrical & Computer Engineering as a first-generation college student. Jazhiel is an accomplished student who has led a research group studying AI and Machine Learning where the findings were presented at an international conference and published in an academic journal.

Jazhiel is also the CEO of his startup called RoadTopSeal, which provides customers internationally with eco-friendly and non-toxic construction materials. In addition, Jazhiel is an active member of the community involved in many clubs and internships in the STEM field and has headed and participated in a number of volunteer opportunities.

The scholarship funds will provide Jazhiel with more time to further his undergraduate research projects and further develop his business, which would lead to genuine real-world impact!

U.S. Region

Kerrick Adkins

Financial Planning, Westminster College

Kerrick lives in Missouri and is the son of Kerry and Michael Adkins. Michael works as a lineman in Kansas City, US region. Kerrick is an exceptional individual with a strong academic record and extensive involvement in school, community, and employment activities. He has demonstrated leadership through roles such as Team Captain for Cross Country and Percussion Section Leader in the high school band. His commitment to community service is evident in his Eagle Scout projects and volunteer work, including canned food drives and civic events.

Currently a freshman at Westminster College, Kerrick excels in athletics, particularly in Cross Country and Baseball, while actively participating in finance-related organizations and gaining professional experience. With his dedication and aspirations for a career in finance, Kerrick is a deserving candidate for this scholarship, which will support his academic journey and help him achieve his goals.

U.S. Region

Alexander Abbott

Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology

Alexander lives in Missouri and is the son of Dawn Abbott, Payroll Specialist in Kansas City. Alexander is currently working at Black & McDonald as an intern in the Kansas City Engineering Services Department. Alexander is a 2023 high school graduate with a 4.3 GPA.  He has a keen interest in engineering and attended the Summit Technology Academy during his senior year when he received the Engineering Student of the Year award. Alexander plans to attend Missouri University of Science and Technology where he will study engineering.  In college, he’s looking forward to joining student design teams and is hopeful to continue being part of the B&M in the summers.  Once he has completed his bachelor’s degree, he hopes to continue his education with a master’s degree.

U.S. Region

Sydney Dean

SUNY Polytechnic Institue, Community and Behavioral Health Bachelor’s Program

Sydney lives in Taberg, NY, and is the daughter of John Dean, in the NEUS region. She is currently attending SUNY Polytechnic Institute, studying Community and Behavioral Health, a combination of biology, psychology, and sociology.

Sydney has a passion for social work and uses that passion to help her community. She is an AmeriCorps volunteer at the Camden Life Centre which is an impact center that is a single location with multiple agencies coming together to have a lasting impact on the community. While volunteering at the Camden Life Center Sydney has been able to host and organize two Wellness Day Events for her community where over 40 agencies came together to provide information to the community.

She plans on getting her master’s in social work after completing her bachelor’s degree and would like to one day become a social worker or case manager in her community. Education and community service are her two main priorities. Her goals are to keep her grades up so she can continue to move toward her goal of becoming a social worker. In addition, she wants to continue to volunteer so that she can have a lasting impact on her rural community.

Corporate Region

Lucia Sun

University of Toronto, Engineering Science

Lucia Sun lives in Richmond Hill, Ontario, and is the daughter of Karen Sai, Senior Business Intelligence Analyst at Commerce Valley Drive. Lucia has recently completed her second year as an Engineering Science student at the University of Toronto. Her Academic Advisor at the University of Toronto provided a great reference by confirming that Lucia has just finished her best semester at the “notoriously challenging” EngSci program. She also takes great pride in being selected to the Engineering Dean’s List in 2023. Lucia has a passion for science and mathematics and her goal is to continue in the field of engineering and pursue a career in STEM where she hopes to advance the field and contribute to the development of innovative solutions that address pressing global challenges.

Lucia is also enthusiastic about establishing a mental health & experience sharing club at the University of Toronto to help first- and second-year students experiencing high levels of stress due to the challenging program. The scholarship will help Lucia with her financial constraints and will allow her to dedicate more time to her studies and extracurricular activities. Lucia also intends to allocate a portion of her scholarship to the mental health & experience sharing club to expand the club’s initiatives thereby contributing to the well-being and success of the students in the program.

Northern Ontario Region

Hailey Young

Criminal Justice and Public Policy, University of Guelph

Hailey Young lives in Smith Falls, Ontario, and is the daughter of Angela Young, a Cleaner at Dwyer Hill Training Centre. In the fall of 2023, Hailey will be a first-year student at the University of Guelph where she will be studying Criminal Justice and Public Policy.  In addition to being an honour roll student, Hailey is an exceptional athlete and has participated in team sports for soccer, hockey, wrestling, and rugby where she was named team captain. She is also an active member of her community by helping serve free meals, assisting with the setup/takedown of an

Indigenous Powwow, collecting donations for the Salvation Army, and receiving the Citizenship Award from the Council of Montague Township.

Hailey has a passion for being part of a team and for helping her community. Her long-term goal is to be in a law enforcement role that allows her to give back to the community by serving and protecting. She believes that through her daily effort of keeping society safe she will fulfill her desires and fill her life with purpose. Hailey has worked part-time jobs to save for her continuing education. The scholarship will help substantially with the expensive university tuition and help her achieve her dreams.

Atlantic Region

Abby Russell

Human Kinetics Program, St. Francis Xavier University

Abby Russell lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is the daughter of Deanna Russell, an Accountant in the Dartmouth Office for 12 years.

Abby is going into her second year of post-secondary education at St. Francis Xavier University in the Human Kinetics program, she has also applied for accelerated nursing. She knows the academic route will be challenging but she is motivated by the feeling of knowing she will have a career that allows her to help others during challenging times.

Abby is an accomplished athlete with extensive sports participation in lacrosse, gymnastics, and ice hockey. She left home at age 13 to pursue hockey at Ontario Ridley College, a private school that helped her hone both her hockey and academic abilities. Abby emphasized that the scholarship would help her alleviate the financial stress of university so she can continue to focus on her academic efforts.

Atlantic Region

Isabelle Lawson

Bachelor of Business Administration, St. Francis Xavier (StFX) University

Isabelle Lawson, a resident of Rothesay in New Brunswick and daughter of Mark Lawson, a Gas Technician in Moncton, has an impressive portfolio of experiences and achievements that underscore her exceptional qualities as a student and leader. Isabelle’s father Mark has worked at Black & McDonald for a decade and instilled in Isabelle a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Isabelle has a commendable track record of engagement in her school community, particularly her involvement in extracurricular activities. In her middle school years, she distinguished herself as a member of the Student Leadership group. She continued her leadership journey in high school, as she represented the student council, and spearheaded numerous initiatives that drove the development of her school community. Her ability to develop other skills, beyond just leadership, further highlights her talent.

In addition to her exemplary leadership skills, Isabelle has an impressive history as a student-athlete. She has participated competitively in provincial volleyball and basketball and is an integral member of her high school’s rowing team and track and field team. Her leadership abilities have not gone unnoticed, recognized through a series of awards and accolades over the years.

Isabelle has continued to pursue her interests outside school, working part-time as a hostess at Irving Route 1 Restaurant. She has also set her sights on academic success, maintaining a minimum of 3.5 GPA as she kicks off her first year at St. Francis Xavier University to pursue her business degree.

During her time at university, Isabelle intends to remain committed to her passion for sports while engaging in new activities and societies. A voracious learner, she plans to continue her education in marketing after completing her undergraduate degree. Her dedication, expertise, and leadership abilities make Isabelle Lawson an exceptional candidate for the Black & McDonald 2023 scholarship.

Southwest Ontario Region

Christopher Mino

Brock University, Computer Game Programming

Christopher Mino lives in St. Catharines, Ontario, and is the son of Brian Mino, Regional Controller. Christopher has always had a passion for computers, video games, and game programming. Following this passion, he recently finished his first year at Brock University in the Computer Game Programming program. Christopher was an exemplary student in high school and has continued this level of excellence into university. Christopher is involved with multiple school clubs related to his interests and he had held a co-op position at PixelNAUTS as Play Tester / Bug Finder where he tests a video game called Rocket Rumble for bugs and localization errors.

At age four, Christopher was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This is a neuromuscular disease that affects one in 3,500 boys worldwide and limits his ability to live his life as many of his friends do. The disease causes muscle weakness, deterioration and limits his ability to walk and perform other physical demands that many people perform without noticing regularly. Despite his diagnosis, Christopher is an active member of his community. He is currently the Ambassador for the Niagara Walk & Roll for Muscular Dystrophy after being the multi-year winner for highest fundraiser. Christopher has also volunteered at the Star of Sea Parish in St. Catharines and the Kidney Foundation of Canada. A quote from Christopher: “Nothing is impossible; you just need to find a new or different way to do it!”

Roberts Onsite

Molly Gulliver

Brock University, Honours Child and Youth Studies with a concurrent Bachelor of Education

Molly Gulliver lives in Kitchener, Ontario and is the daughter of Ron Gulliver, Project Manager. Molly has recently completed her second year in the six-year program, Honours Child and Youth Studies with a concurrent Bachelor of Education at Brock University. Her goal is to become a kindergarten teacher who ensures her future students know and feel that they are smart, valued, and an important part of the classroom family.

Molly is also an accomplished competitive dancer. She credits dancing with providing her with a place to make great friends, get exercise, develop time management and organization skills, and build her confidence while performing on stage. She has participated in several competitions and was awarded with a number of awards with her dance studio over the years including appearing in an episode of The Next Step TV show. Besides her capacity as a dance instructor, she has also gained experience as a dance assessor which has allowed her to further explore her love of teaching.

Canadian Base Operators

Alexandra Nicholls

Fanshawe College, Fitness and Health Promotion

Alexandra Nicholls is the daughter of Kelly Nicholls, Transport Supervisor/Dispatch for Meaford at Canadian Base Operators. Alexandra is an accomplished athlete, playing hockey for 15 years and volleyball for 4 years. She has passed on her knowledge and skill by volunteering for CanSkate and PrePower for 5 years where she was awarded Program Assistant of the Year.

Alexandra looks forward to a career where she can help those in need, especially those with Alzheimer’s after experiencing three deaths in her family due to the disease. Alexandra plans to become a Registered Nurse and eventually receive a Doctor of Medicine and become a neurologist. It is her hope to support families with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s by providing them with a sense of ease during times in which their loved ones are under her care. Alexandra is starting her career as a driven, passionate, and caring individual who will be sure to accomplish the goals she has set.

Canadian Base Operators

Alexander Manley

Georgian College, Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Alexander Manley lives in Chatsworth, Ontario, and is the son of Christina Manley, Project Supervisor at Meaford FMO. Alexander is entering his second year in the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Georgian College. In high school, Alexander took all the science classes available to him and achieved the status of “Ontario Scholar” and “Honour Roll” due to his high performance. Alexander has continued his high level of scholastic achievement by making the “Dean’s List” during his first year at Georgian College.

Alexander recently committed to St. John Ambulance as a Medical First Responder volunteer where he will be attending events in his community and, should an emergency occur, would provide medical care until first responders arrive. As a continuous learner, in his spare time, Alexander has been taking free healthcare-related courses such as Dementia Care and Fall Prevention. Upon completion of his current nursing program, Alexander plans to continue his education by enrolling in the Primary Care Paramedic program with the ultimate goal of providing medical care in remote areas and during patient transport on helicopters/planes. He aspires to benefit his community by ensuring safety and security in long-term, hospital, and emergency care environments.

Power Generation Region

Mackenzie Mamers

Queen’s University, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Philosophy Major

Mackenzie Mamers lives in Baltimore, ON, and is the daughter of Erik Mamers. Mackenzie has completed her 2nd year of a BAH philosophy major at Queens University. After completion of her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend law school to become a lawyer.

Mackenzie is a very well-rounded individual who has a high academic standing, a variety of volunteer experiences, and extensive participation in sports. She has been the recipient of many awards – including the school spirit award for the most well-rounded and positive individual. She has played a number of competitive sports, both hockey and softball. Holding roles as captain and assistant captain for numerous years which shows her aptitude for leadership.

She describes herself as “someone who can lead teams to national victories; put other people’s needs ahead of her own and has the ability to help people in scary situations” and we believe that is exactly the person she is and therefore the successful recipient of our scholarship.