Parkdale Student Earns Scholarship
Since 2011, the Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) of 14 Division has recognized outstanding young leaders through its annual Community Safety Scholarship.
The scholarship celebrates students who have made meaningful contributions to creating safer, stronger communities while demonstrating financial need, academic promise, and a commitment to continuing their community involvement through post-secondary education.
This year's $6,000 scholarship recipient is Ainharan Sirathan whose dedication to supporting and empowering others has made a lasting impact at Parkdale Collegiate Institute.
Inspired by his family's experience overcoming financial hardship after immigrating to Canada from Sri Lanka, he transformed personal challenges into opportunities to help others. Recognizing that financial literacy can play an important role in improving opportunities for young people, he founded the school's Financial Development and Resource Club.
The club provides students with practical financial education, including budgeting, financial planning, and investing. Through activities such as a mock stock market simulator, members gain hands-on experience managing investments in a supportive, risk-free environment. It has grown to approximately 50 active members and has become a valued resource within the school community.
In addition to his leadership, Sirathan volunteered in the school library, working to ensure book displays reflected the diversity of the student population. His efforts helped foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where students could see themselves represented.
This fall, he will begin the five-year Business Management Co-op program at Toronto Metropolitan University, where he plans to continue building on his passion for leadership, community service, and financial empowerment.
“The Toronto Police Service and the Community Police Liaison Committee of 14 Division congratulate Ainharan on receiving the Community Safety Scholarship and wish him every success in his future studies and continued service to the community,” said Inspector Joseph Matys.
