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: Elliana Christoffel, Grade 12
Nominating Counsellor: Deana Cook, Harvest City Christian Academy, Regina, SK
Elliana has been volunteering daily over at the Deaf andHard of Hearing Program at Henry Janzen School.Previously, Elliana has volunteered at Trossachs BibleCamp working with special needs students and took ASLcourses. These experiences and working in our school’sAfter School Program, led Elliana to volunteering at HenryJanzen working with students who are in grades 4-8. She has decided because of all of these experiences to pursue an Education degree at the University of Regina wanting to work in Inclusive Education. Elliana comes to her afternoon classes with some much joy after her interactions with the kids in the DHH program sharing stories about “her kids”.
Student: Octavia Pickles, Grade 12
Nominating Counsellor: Jen Kozma, Gus Wetter School, Castor, AB
Octavia quietly and consistently makes an impactful difference in the lives of herself and others every day. She is consistently shows integrity and commitment with her academics. She has embraced and completed demanding dual credit courses while maintaining her regular studies and holding down and job. Her grace and future thinking is an inspiration. She has worked hard to be able to pursue an education in her career of choice.
As a national champion trick rider, Octavia has also coached and been a role model in the rodeo world. She demonstrates exceptional balance with school, extracurriculars and work. She is an exceptional young lady and it is my privilege to nominate her for this award.
Student: Deborah Ugbah-Chukwuemeka, Grade 12
Nominating Counsellor: Chris Enns, Glenlawn Collegiate Institute, Winnipeg, MB
I am nominating Deborah Ugbah‑Chukwuemeka for theTrevor H. Shirtliff Difference Maker Scholarship becauseshe consistently combines strong character withpurposeful leadership. Deborah approaches her school lifewith intention, care for others, and a clear sense ofresponsibility to her community.
As a Student Council Executive member, Deborah actively contributes to school‑wide initiatives and ensures that student voices are heard and respected. She also served in a leadership role within the Black Student Union, where she helped promote cultural awareness and community engagement, creating space for meaningful conversations and inclusion. These roles reflect her commitment to equity, representation, and positive change. Deborah balances leadership with artistic expression, having successfully auditioned for and performed in the school musical “Mamma Mia.” This experience speaks to her confidence, collaboration, and willingness to step outside her comfort zone. Whether through leadership, the arts, or peer engagement, Deborah leads with authenticity and kindness, making her a true difference maker within the school community.
Deborah’s achievements extend well beyond leadership roles and highlight her well‑rounded commitment to growth, service, and excellence. Academically, she has maintained an outstanding 96% average, earned a Certificate of Mastery in Academics, and demonstrated strong performance across all subject areas. Her academic success reflects her discipline, curiosity, and strong work ethic.
Creatively and intellectually, Deborah is the Lead Photo Editor for a school publication, where she oversees visual content and mentors’ other students. She is also an active participant in the Ethics Bowl, Debate Team, and Robotics Team, showing a genuine interest in critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation. Her written communication strengths were recognized when she earned 2nd place in the Peaceful Village Writing Contest. Beyond school, Deborah gives back through weekly volunteering at her local church and summer volunteer work with both the Winnipeg Humane Society Kids Camp and NextGen Worship Centre Kids Day Camp. Her service has been acknowledged with a Certificate of Generosity in Extracurricular Activities. Additionally, her experience as a Girl Child Ambassador in Nigeria, advocating for youth empowerment and education, reflects a global mindset and deep commitment to service. These experiences strongly support Deborah’s nomination as a deserving recipient of the Trevor H. Shirtliff Difference Maker Scholarship.
Student: Dayana Valery Hernandez, Grade 12
Nominating Counsellor: Karissa Sydor, Vegreville Composite High School, Vegreville, AB
I am pleased to nominate Dayana for this award because she is incredibly hard working, kind and clever. She has shown great dedication to her studies, leading her to be the top student in her class for the past 5 years. She is devoted to her soccer community having coached for the past 3 years and through winning tier 3 soccer provincials. As a soccer coach she has lead by example, ensuring that participants are in a safe, positive and inclusive team environment. On top of being a top student and athlete, she has maintained steady employment for the past 3 years. While juggling all of that she also pursues her future dreams by volunteering in the summer at St. Joseph Hospital to gain experience and exposure to the fast-paced healthcare environment and interdisciplinary teamwork required.
I verily believe that anything Dayana puts her mind to she will accomplish. She is kind, clever and hardworking. These attributes will serve her well in life and I feel she is the ideal candidate for the Trevor H. Shirtliff Difference Maker Scholarship.
