Melissa Charles | Oakwood College, Alabama

August 1 2003.
In addition to obtaining outstanding results in Mathematics and the Sciences throughout her high school career at l'École Secondaire Publique de La Salle, Melissa Charles retained her passion for Art, describing it by saying “nothing in the world can remove her desire to create”. She also showed her commitment to helping in her community by volunteering at the Elizabeth Bruyère Centre Patro-d'Ottawa, Festival Franco-Ontarien, the Lighthouse Community Church and Spectacle multicultural.

She is quick to point out that it is her father who instilled in her from her earliest years, the belief that everything is possible. First, Melissa will combine her passion for Art with Bio-medical Sciences in a double degree at the University of Ottawa and later, she hopes to enter Medicine.

Aquilas Kapend | Criminology, University of Ottawa

August 1 2003.

Aquilas emigrated from the Republic of the Congo to Canada at an early age with a passion for social justice inspired by her father. She matched her exemplary academic performance at L'École Secondaire Publique de La Salle by her leadership initiatives in organizing several cultural activities, notably an exhibition depicting the contribution of Blacks to Canadian society. Also, after personal research, she recommended, successfully, that the school library order books on the role of Blacks in Canadian History.

Aquilas has entered the University of Ottawa to pursue undergraduate studies in Criminology. Her long-term objective is to study Law “to represent the community and to change and promote the community.”

Edwin Nortey | Information Technology, Carleton University

August 1 2003.

Edwin excelled academically throughout his career at St. Matthew High School, maintaining his place on the Honour Roll. He also developed an interest in Information Technology, created a website and designed the Logo for the school’s annual Multicultural Fashion Variety Show. As well, he developed another skill as Layout Editor of the school’s newspaper, “the St.Matthew Roar” .

Edwin began giving back to his community from his high school years, serving in the Good Shepherd Catholic Church as Altar Server and Lector, volunteering as a face painter for the Annual BKT Family Fun Fair and planting trees for Scoutrees during his seven years in Scouts Canada.

He has begun a program in Information Technology at Carleton University, another step towards his educational objective of becoming an efficient, creative Information Technologist.