Exceptional Student Gets $7,500 Scholarship
A mature, busy and family focused Honours high school student received the 43 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) Game Changing scholarship to continue her studies in university.
Tamkin Bigzad was awarded the $7,500 scholarship because of her extraordinary ability to balance school work, participate in extracurricular activities and help raise her younger siblings, as her parents have disabilities.
The $7,500 scholarship, which received 20 applications, was established for a student with great promise who was actively involved in their high school and the community and is in financial need.
“The CPLC sub-committee was very passionate about helping a student in the community with great potential. All of the applications were very solid, but Tamkin stood out,” said Crime Prevention & CPLC Liaison Officer Constable Leanna Gill. “She shows strong perseverance balancing personal battles while maintaining top grades in her classes and giving a significant amount of time back to the community helping others. After meeting Tamkin, it didn’t take long to notice her intelligence, maturity and great potential for future success.”
Superintendent Dave Rydzik had the honour to deliver the news as a surprise to Bizgad.
Bigzad graduated from Cedarbrae Collegiate Institute where she was the Yearbook Co-Editor, and part of the STEM Robotics, audio visual, calligraphy clubs and the girls’ softball team.
Admitted to the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, Bigzad will begin Biological Sciences and Neuroscience studies in September.
“Tamkin is very astute,” said Joan Young, her high school teacher. “Even though she is young with the same interests as many of her peers, she shows a mature and contemplative nature well beyond her years. Indeed, it is her thoughtfulness and maturity that indicates she will approach all tasks with careful consideration and the expectation of achieving success.”
Outside of the classroom, Bigzad volunteered with Pathways to Education that is a mentorship and tutoring group.
Adi Dasgupta, the Engagement YouthLink-Pathways to Education Program Manager of Academic Support & Volunteer Engagement, was privileged to support Bigzad’s academic growth and psychological wellness through her high school journey.
“Her resilience and dedication to academic excellence is nothing short of miraculous,” Dasgupta said.
Scarborough businessman Sandeep Lal donated the money for the scholarship, part of $150,000 he has donated for scholarships over the past 11 years.