Ms. MARYAM MOHAMED

August 4, 2009

A graduate of Hillcrest High School, where she was frequently on the Honour Roll, Maryam Mohamed has had a long journey. Born in war-torn Somalia and the eldest of five children, she came to Canada as a refugee without a word of English which she began to learn only in Primary School.

Grateful for her opportunity of becoming a Canadian citizen and all the privileges we sometimes take for granted, she has claimed her stake in the Canada by giving back to the country that gave her so much.

In addition to writing a regular feature in the Student Newspaper, the Hillcrest Peer Helper Committee member also served on after-school programs prompting Julie Chouinard, one of her teachers, to say “Maryam’s involvement in her school community and her evident academic success are only the first achievements on a path filled with success”.

For Maryam, giving back has meant fund-raising for cancer research, volunteering three days a week in the Russell Heights Community House and at Ridgemont High School which, she says, “gave me the chance to teach them the values of education and reaching for dreams. –I remember what it was like not understanding the teacher because my grasp of the English language was still weak. I am happy to be a role model for younger children who are facing the same obstacles I have overcome”.

The 1000 volunteer hours which she has clocked in four years, despite her many family responsibilities, including regular visits the CHEO due to her two brothers’ chronic medical condition. It is, in part, why she intends to commence a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Ottawa this Fall after which she plans to work as a nurse at the same hospital before going on to Medicine.

Here is how she sums up herself.” I am a hardworking student who cares about my education and also about uplifting the rest of the community. I enjoy living in Canada where I hope to continue making a difference in the lives of others,” Maryam affirms.

Mr. WAÏS YOUSSOUF

August 4, 2009

Mr. Youssouf, who graduated from Louis-Riel High School in June, has always been a serious and persevering student, conscientious about his academic future, knowing full well that his performance in high school would open doors to post-secondary opportunities.

“Waïs, the eldest of six children, has a keen interest in both Architecture and Civil Engineering, undoubtedly developed from his passion for Mathematics. One of his teachers, Jean-Guy Morin, is quoted as praising his student:” I have been a witness to Wais concentration and determination during many long hours, in order to obtain the maximum possible results in order to attend university.
Waïs has natural leadership skills, a solid will to succeed, a constant good disposition.

Having younger siblings himself, Waïs, throughout his high school career, clocked over one thousand (1000) volunteer hours at the GRDO (Gloucester Recreation Development Organization) assisting in organizing recreational activities for underprivileged kids. So strong is his commitment to youth and his belief in their ability to bring about change that he entered and won first place in an essay-writing competition sponsored by the Optimist Club with the theme, “The Power of Youth”.

In September, Waïs will study Civil Engineering at the University of Ottawa. Following the completion of his degree, he intends join an Engineering firm while obtaining a Masters in Engineering and Business Administration.

Waïs will be the first of his family to attend university, a privilege he cherishes for three main reasons, first, the opportunity to be a role model for his 5 siblings, next, the chance to be a source of pride for his family and finally, to relish the personal sense of accomplishment he has from persevering in school.

Said he, “with this bursary, I will reach the end of my dreams where the sun rises”.