2023 PPAO Scholarship Recipients
This year, there were a total of 40 applications submitted, 4 were not accepted as the applicants were ineligible as they were either still in high school or not presently enrolled in a post secondary facility that met the requirements of the program. The applications were reviewed and scored according to set criteria by the PPAO Scholarship committee chaired by Director Steven Boisclair, and later confirmed by the PPAO Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors understand that the process for applying for a scholarship can be both challenging and daunting and we appreciate the time and effort that all of our candidates put into the process. We wish success to everyone who applied, it is encouraging to see the talent of our young citizens. The following students were the successful candidates for the 2023 PPAO scholarship awards:
Sarah Morris
Sarah Morris who is in her first year at The University of Waterloo in The Health Studies Program. Sarah is the daughter of, George S. Morris, a retired Woodstock Police Officer, and member of the Toronto Police Pensioners, whom she credits as being her “Role Model “.
Sarah is not only academically strong, having received a Wood Gundy Accounting Award, but Sarah is also an active volunteer in the community. She is a volunteer with The Knights of Columbus where she helps in providing meals for those in need, with Senior Services assisting seniors with illness or mobility issues with household chores allowing them to remain in their homes, volunteering with children ages 7-17 at volleyball camp and participating in the Samaritan Purse Program filling shoe boxes with necessary items for children in need. To sum up this young lady’s outlook on life something she learned from her parents, “one cannot wait for change, you must initiate it. ’’
The Paul Bailey Meritorious $3000.00 scholarship recognizes leadership or a future study in Labour relations.
Grace Locker
Grace Locker who is in her first year at The University of Toronto studying music, is the granddaughter of Arthur Locker, from the Toronto Police Pensioners Association.
Throughout her high school career, Grace has been a very active participant in student council, climbing from grade representative to school “Co-Prime Minister”. She served as a news anchor for her school news program hosting virtual announcements, proms, and commencements during the Covid Pandemic. Grace has a love of music which has led her to be a part of many musical bands, locally, provincially and nationally, and as a co-op student acted as an assistant music teacher to a grade 9/10 class. Grace also volunteered in a virtual reading program for young people and has recently joined the Canadian Armed Forces band and has applied as a reservist. It was quite apparent that Grace’s love of music and willingness to share her passion with those around her has led her to develop her strong leadership abilities which she continues to be recognized.
PPAO Memorial Scholarships: The following six (6) were selected for one of the $2000.00 scholarships and are listed in alphabetical order:
Brooklyn Bartlett
Brooklyn Bartlett is currently enrolled in year 4 of Trent University doing Honors bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Brooklyn is the stepdaughter of Gordon Jones, a member of the Toronto Police Pensioners Association. Brooklyn is active in her community with Student Accessibility Services, tutoring, and as an orientation leader. She is currently completing a community-based research project on mental health and well being programs offered to at risk students at alternative education centres. Brooklyn will be starting her master’s degree in September with a focus on female equality within law enforcement roles.
Madison Hill
Madison Hill is the granddaughter of Terry Hill, an active member of The Hamilton Police Retirees Association. Madison is studying Criminology at Brock University. She has volunteered at the local thrift store in her neighbourhood and has trained many employees while working at a local restaurant. Madison has been recognized by her employer as a leader with great pride in her work and has become a swing manager for the business. Madison also is quite active with her church where she leads youth in worship and also volunteers at the area local food bank when time permits.
Emily MacEachern
Emily MacEachern is in her fourth year of nursing at McMaster University and is the granddaughter of retired Hamilton Police Officer, William Van Dyke. Emily has received a number of awards for her volunteer work in the field of health care. Emily volunteers at The Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton and her goals are to serve as a nurse in an Intensive Care Unit in the future. The Juravinski Hospital is a recognized leader in the pursuit of a cure and advanced treatment for cancer patients.
Olivia Pomajba
Olivia Pomajba is currently enrolled in the Articles of Clerkship through the Law Society of Ontario and the University of Windsor, in her quest to become a lawyer. She is the daughter of Paul Pomajba, retired from the Chatham-Kent Police service. During her university career, she was part of the Class Action Legal Clinic at Windsor Law in an effort to improve access to justice in the class action sphere. She also served as a peer mentor and team leader assisting other students.
Brianna Reed
Brianna Reed is currently enrolled at Queens’ University in the JD Law program. She is the daughter of Anna Pellizzari, a member of the Hamilton Police Retirees Association. Brianna is an editor for the Queen’s Law Journal, a volunteer rowing coach and VP of the Queen’s Health Law Club. She is also a student caseworker for the Queen’s Prison Law Clinic assisting inmates in Kingston area institutions. In her spare time, she is perfecting her French language skills, learning to Code, and goaltending for the Queen’s Law intramural team.
Lainie Scott
Lainie Scott is the granddaughter of Stanley Scott, a retiree from the Chatham-Kent Police Service. Lainie is in her second year at the University of Ottawa doing a Bachelor of Arts Psychology program. Lainie has been an active participate volunteering with the Goodfellows and OFSAA and an avid participant, coach and leader in basketball and rugby. She is hoping that as a teacher she can positively influence the future of her students.
On behalf of the Board of Directors I would like to thank all of the applicants who took the time to compete for this year’s PPAO scholarships. We recognize that effort and commitment are necessary to accomplish this, and we appreciate all the work that was spent preparing your applications.
Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients. We sincerely hope that these scholarships will help to support their hard work and make a difference in their future endeavors. For those that were not successful this year, thank you for your efforts and we remind you that you may still be eligible for the 2023-2024 competition.
There is no greater feeling than knowing we are supporting our future generation of responsible citizens.
Sincerely
Wayne Omardeen – President
Police Pensioners Association of Ontario