Bursaries Reward Community Minded Students

Three graduating high school students with aspirations of becoming leaders in law, social services and engineering say receiving $1,000 bursaries will help turn their ambitions into reality while reinforcing the importance of helping their community.

The recipients were recognized through a bursary program supported by donors and the Toronto Police Service 41 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), which honours young people for their academic achievement, community involvement and commitment to making a positive difference.

Seventeen-year-old Sophia Hardat, a graduate of St. Patrick's Catholic Secondary School, will attend the University of Toronto to study social sciences before pursuing her goal of becoming a human rights lawyer.

“I really want to dedicate my life to helping others and give them the life that they deserve,” she said.

Hardat described receiving the bursary as both an honour and an important investment in her future.

“It means a lot that I've been recognized for this,” she said. “I think this will help me achieve my goals. I'm honestly really honoured.”

Sedra Alhamade, an 18-year-old graduate of David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute, will continue her education at Centennial College to become a social service worker.

“I want to help others, and this was my dream,” she said.

For 18-year-old Unaizaha Qutub, the award removes one of the financial barriers to pursuing computer engineering at the University of Toronto.

Inspired by a robotics camp and Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, she hopes to one day work in the aerospace industry.

“This is one step closer to achieving my goal of graduating from university,” she said. “Engineering is a very expensive degree, so this is very helpful. I plan on using the money to buy a computer because computer engineering requires a really good laptop.”

Chloe Chlebovec was unable to attend the event to receive her bursary.

Superintendent Warren Wilson said the bursary program recognizes more than academic success.

“It celebrates young people who are giving back to their communities while creating opportunities for themselves,” he pointed out. “The recipients have all done incredible things in their short lives, and they've all got a terrific future.”

Wilson emphasized that the program would not be possible without the continued commitment of donors and the CPLC.

He also praised CPLC volunteers for the role they play throughout the year, describing them as trusted community members who help police understand neighbourhood concerns while supporting initiatives that benefit local youth.

“The CPLC is amazing,” Wilson said. “They're very invested in their own neighbourhoods. They share information, help us in our response to what we do, and the work they do with our youth through the bursary program is really incredible.”