The Difference-Maker Scholarship is awarded to high-school students that have been identified by their high school counsellors to be activists advocating to make a difference. Whether it be within their school, their community or in the life of others, we commend these youth.
We thought you’d like to know what caught the attention of their counsellors and why we chose these individuals to award scholarships to. In the words of a counsellor, here are the nominations:
Student: Summer Schulmeister, Grade 12
Nominating Counsellor: Jen Kozma, Gus Wetter School, Castor, AB
Summer is definitely a Difference Maker in our small community of Castor. She is an exceptional student who makes powerful difference in our k-12 school by choosing to volunteer her time to work with some of our struggling students in lower grades. She excels at this because of her integrity, critical thinking skills, and compassionate approach. People are drawn to Summer because she is an incredibly hard worker, a strong student and a great role model.
Over the years, Summer has been involved in various school and community activities, as well as having a meaningful impact on her graduating committee. She works at the local senior’s lodge and volunteers with I.O.D.E.. She takes initiative when she sees a job that needs to get done, and she completes it in ways that truly benefit people.
Student: Maria DiFlavio, Grade 12
Nominating Counsellor: Elvira Beltrame-Presta, Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School, Grimsby, ON
Maria is currently our student body president. She is a young lady who has been involved in the school community since gr. 9 as our junior female representative on council. And this commitment has grown over the years culminating as president. She goes out of her way to help her council come up with fun and exciting events and more importantly, events that give back to the community. For that reason, Maria is spearheading our Relay for Life events here at Blessed Trinity. She took it upon herself to recruit staff members and students to form a committee and begin the fundraising process. She has also completed community service hours that far exceed the 40 hour mininum. In fact, she has currently completed 181 hours with a variety of different organizations including, but not limited to, Pelham Panthers hockey, her church choir, our school’s annual Pilgrimage in support of the community of Las Pajas in the Dominican Republic and the Town of Grimsby Leaders in Training program.
She is a kind, helpful, friendly, polite, hardworking and commited young lady with strong leadership qualities that improve the lives of her fellow students. She consistently seeks to always put a smile on all those she comes in contact with on a daily basis.
It is without reservation that I recommend Maria DiFlavio as a nominee for the Trevor Shirtliff Difference Maker Scholarship.
Student: Natalia Colley, Grade 12
Nominating Counsellor: Michael Maki, Armbrae Academy, Halifax, NS
Natalia is an exceptional candidate whose actions consistently demonstrate integrity, empathy, and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact in her community. She leads with reliability, kindness, and a strong sense of responsibility, excelling academically while modeling determination and focus for younger students. As a prefect, she has strengthened school spirit by organizing events and ensuring every student, regardless of age, background feels included. Her leadership extends far beyond school: as captain of both the basketball and volleyball teams, she supports teammates’ success, and through coaching in community leagues she helps youth build confidence and grow. Natalia is also a dedicated advocate for equity and inclusion, volunteering with Lets Grow Together, ensuring all youth are valued and respected. Her steady presence, thoughtful leadership, and sincere desire to help others feel seen and valued reflect exactly the type of individual achievements this scholarship seeks to recognize.
As a new member to the school, in 11th grade was awarded the Proficiency Award given to students for the pursuit of excellence. As a grade 12 student, recognized and appointed to be a Prefect, responsible for school actiivities, inclusion and overall stregthen school community. A recepient of the Be Kind, Work Hard Award – as the namesake implies, the consistent demonstration of kindness towards others while maintaining individual excellence; the pillars of our school community.
Student: Lauryn Smith, Grade 12
Nominating Counsellor: Angela Lindsay, Essex District High School, Essex, ON
Lauryn has become an integral part of the school both within the school community and the athletic community.
Lauryn is our Prime Minister of our Student Council at EDHS, as well is a member of our Basketball, Soccer, Badminton and Swim Teams. Lauryn is also an integral part of our EDHS Ambassador Team as a mentor, promoter, and tutor for our students.
In our community, Lauryn has been involved as a Youth Council Member for the Town of Essex. She is responsible for bringing the youth perspective to town issues being discussed in council meetings. Lauryn was the Founder and organizer of the Essex Fun Fest 5 Km Road Race using her excellent athletic abilities to help others. This past year, Lauryn helped raise $17,000 with the Essex Fun Fest 5Km race for the Essex Food Bank. Lauryn is the founder and President of the Essex Junior Optimist Club expanding her helpful activism. Her participation in the Ambassador Program has given her experience in tutoring, mentoring other students, promoting messages of acceptance and tolerance, and marketing her school to perspective students.
She has an excellent work ethic and has a proven commitment to academics, community involvement, and athletics. While doing all she does her marks remain top notch. She is a first-class individual.
