Helping Students Pursue Dreams
Three high school graduates were given a financial boost in pursuing their dream careers through a police-community parntership in 53 Division.
A family member’s cancer diagnosis inspired bursary recipient Elisha Qaisar’s interest in health sciences.
“I know how cancer affects families and I want to find a cure for the disease,” said the 17-year-old Leaside High School graduate who intends to become an Oncologist. “Becoming one is more than a career. It is a calling. Medical schools are expensive and this bursary will help me to achieve my goal. I am very grateful to my police division for providing it.”
In high school where she is a Robotics and Reading Teams member, Qaisar designed educational slideshows and led webinars on digital literacy for older adults.
The University of Toronto-bound student was the recipient of the King Charles Award for leadership in robotics.
Mehar Qaisar accompanied the older of her two daughters to the awards ceremony.
“Elisha is amazing,” said the proud mom. “She worked very hard for this.”
Each student received $2,500.
A large part of the $8,000 raised at a High Tea event last December was used for the bursaries.
Inspector Heather Nichols said academic achievement, community service and leadership potential were the criteria used to select the winners.
“Their interests include the sciences, the arts, athletics and diversity, equity and inclusion,” the 53 Division Unit Commander added. “An impressive group indeed. This bursary program is our commitment to helping the next generation as they pursue their education and future careers.”
Arbi Koci, who migrated with his family from Albania seven years ago, has a passion for numbers.
“This bursary means a lot and I am going to use it to pursue my academic interest,” said the 18-year-old who enters York University in September to study Finance & Economics.
At Forest Hill High School, Koci created and was the lead organizer for the Frisbee Club and a senior boys volleyball team member.
He is also a talented musician, playing the clarinet, piano and bass guitar.
Noor-ul-Huda Butt maintained a 95 percent average across her top six Grade 12 courses.
She also won the Top Achiever Award for Spanish in Grade 10 and Extended French in Grade 11.
Beyond academics, Butt was active in her high school community.
She co-founded Culture Fest, led the Equity Committee and was a member of the Literary Club and Reading Team.
Outside school, Butt volunteers at Pedalheads as a bike instructor.
“I enjoy outdoor biking, cooking and spending quality time with family and friends,” she added.
She has been accepted to Toronto Metropolitan University where she will study Nursing.
The 53 Division Community Police Liaison Committee, co-chaired by Nichols and Didi Cameron, and sponsors supported the bursary program.
“It’s great that we are assisting our young people as they are our future leaders,” said Cameron who, in 2017, started an online neighbourhood watch program with Constable Timothy Somers.
Member of Provincial Parliament Stephanie Bowman presented a Certificate of Honour to the students.
“It is important to celebrate accomplishments,” she said. “With a future Nurse, a CFO (Chief Financial Officer) and an Oncologist in our midst, we know these scholarships are going to make a meaningful difference, supporting their university education.”
