The Trevor H Shirtliff 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: Esha Chaudhry, Grade 12
Nominating Counsellor: Karyn Walmark
Mentor College, Mississauga, ON
Esha has demonstrated admirable commitment to and passion for making a positive impact in the community. In particular, she has sought to foster inclusivity, support, and empowerment for women who are often overlooked. For example, she co-founded the non-profit Global Citizen Initiative in March 2024; the group’s first project was collecting donations to create Mother’s Day gift baskets for a Salvation Army charity that reached out to women and children who have been survivors of domestic abuse. In addition, as an executive member of our school’s Women Empowerment Club, Esha has facilitated a breast cancer awareness fundraiser, a Christmas gingerbread buyout, and a Mother’s Day flower sale. Finally, she has volunteered with OneProsper International as an online English tutor for girls in rural India who have limited access to schools, an opportunity which allows her to teach an essential skill as well as act as a valuable role model.
Esha is a confident, independent, motivated young lady who embodies, recognizes and inspires female resilience and strength, both in the local community and beyond. She is therefore a true difference-maker!
Esha is also a strong academically: both her demanding academic schedule, and her current average of 92%, are additional evidence of her ability and promise as a student and citizen.
Student: Jeyven Chhina, Grade 12
Nominating Counsellor: Karyn Walmark
Mentor College, Mississauga, ON
Jeyven has demonstrated a level of initiative and ingenuity that is rare in a high-school student. After realizing and reflecting on the socio-economic difficulty that many students have in accessing post-secondary education, despite their goals and abilities, he resolved to remove this barrier. His organization “Thrive” uses an artificial intelligence algorithm to match high school students to tech startups in need of help. These can be paid or volunteer positions, depending on the company’s resources, as well as an opportunity to develop useful skills and earn valuable experience.
Jeyven worked in collaboration with faculty at UBC to kickstart this venture, and has since met with a wide variety of prestigious companies, including Cargojet and Mastercard. He has also reached out to the PDSB and the TDSB in an effort to expand the scope of the project.
Ultimately, Jeyven is providing students with pathway to a career in STEM or programming that they may not have discovered otherwise. He is genuinely making a difference!
Student: Hannah Finkle, Grade 12
Nominating Counsellor: Michael Maki
Armbrae Academy, Halifax, NS
Hannah embodies the school motto of “Be Kind, Work Hard.” It has been the guiding principle in both her academic and extracurricular endeavours. Throughout her time at Armbare, Hannah has been dedicated to fostering inclusivity and promoting positive change for fellow classmates and younger learners alike. Albeit implementing a new initiative such as “Building Compassionate Leaders” her participation as Prefect and subsequent engagements or the nurmerous in and out school club and initiatives, Hannah is actively engaged in making a positive change for others. No matter the task, Hannah does everthing with 100% effort, never hesitates to mentor, deligate or ask for help – attributes of true leadership.
Social justice and humanitarian are keen areas of interest. Hannah has been a constant voice advocating for action to halt unjust or unfair treatment of others through her involvement in Amnesty International. She mentor and engages with younger students at the school as a tutor, a club leader sharing the passion for STEM, and leads assembly and house oreintated activities. Each summer Hannah has traveled to a different part of the world volunteering her time, service, skills and cultural exchange to the betterment of others. Hannah is action-orientated, will be the first to roll up her sleeves and do what needs to be done. I cannot think of a student more fitting to be classified as a “Difference Maker.”
Has spearheaded several in and out school initiative raising awares and funding for non-porfit organizations. Tutors younger students in French, creator of the STEM club, beyond being co-president of Prefects, is also design chief for yearbook. A club of passion is Amnesty International that expanded to a school-wide annual initiative. This past summer travelled with Putney to Costa Ricaworking with the Community Association in an array of activities ranging from painting buildings, to building tables, refurbishing a kitchen all the while, engage in cultural exchange.
Student: Annika Bahrey, Grade 12
Nominating Counsellor: Sebastian Prost
Sacred Heart High School, Yorkton, SK
If I had to choose one student from Sacred Heart High School that exemplifies the nomination criteria of integrity, it is Annika Bahrey. Annika has repeatedly demonstrated that she will choose what is right obver what is fun, fast, or easy when faced with difficult decisions. She has always stayed true to herself, her convictions, and her beliefs and has never wavered in them.
Annika is a quiet leader in the school. Not only has she excelled in academics, achieving academic proficiency in Grades 9, 10 and 11, but she also has taken on leadership roles through SRC and yearbook. She is an athlete in cross country and shows dedication to her training there as well. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence are evident in everything she does, whether it’s her academic work or her involvement in extracurricular activities. Despite her quiet demeanor, Annika leads by example, inspiring others through her hard work, dedication, and thoughtful interactions. She is the type of leader who brings out the best in everyone around her, making her a deserving candidate for this award.
Annika’s Senior English teacher and SRC advisor had the following to say: “I have had the pleasure of working with Annika in our Student Leadership Council and as a classroom teacher. Annika has been part of SRC since grade 9. As amazing as SRC is to be part of. it is often a grueling process of planning events with very little thanks at the end. Annika signs up to be a leader on any task she has. As an SRC advisor I know when Annika signs up I do not need to follow up to make sure she remembers. She is reliable. She goes above and beyond in every single assignment she completes. I had the opportunity to teach her English two times and she went above and beyond on every single assignment.”
Annika’s Yearbook advisor said the following: “As the Yearbook Editor, Annika has exemplified the qualities of a quiet yet impactful leader. What stands out most about Annika is her kindness and inclusiveness – she consistently ensures that her peers feel valued and supported, especially during group work and at yearbook meetings. Her willingness to take on tasks with a positive attitude and complete them with reliability makes her someone who can always be counted on.”
