Scholarship Winners

Helping Students Realize a Dream

2022 – Rhaya Clyne

My name is Rhaya Clyne and I am pursuing a degree in Psychology with a minor in Indigenous Studies at Brock University. I am looking at a career within the field of clinical psychology to become a therapist for young adults with a plan to specialize around neuro-divergent minorities and to address the inequities they face. I know what it is like to be overlooked by the system so I want to provide clients a safe place to face their issues with someone who is compassionate to their experiences. However, to address many issues directly the system needs to change. To accomplish this I intend on advocating to update the diagnostic criteria to reflect the different presentations of disorders outside of the current stereotype.

I wish to express my heart felt gratitude to the Toronto Transportation Club and appreciate this unexpected contribution to assist my pursuit of a Master of Engineering degree. I plan to use this scholarship to not only continue to learn and develop my skills, but to also find a niche within the realm of engineering that I am passionate about and want to ensue for the remainder of my career. I am extremely grateful to the Toronto Transportation Club for helping me to reach for these goals by supporting my studies and endeavors at the University of Waterloo.

2022 – Rosetta Defilippis

My name is Rosetta Defilippis and I am from Pickering Ontario. I am grateful and honoured to have been chosen as a recipient of the 2022 Toronto Transportation Club Scholarship. This recognition provided by the Scholarship Committee is encouraging and greatly reinforces the value I hold in continuing my education. I am currently a first year student at York University’s Glendon campus, enrolled in the French Concurrent Education program. I am working towards a major in French studies and graduating with a Bachelor of Education degree.

I am a recent graduate of St. Mary CSS in Pickering Ontario. During high school, I maintained honours with distinction, and found a passion for volunteering. My involvement in our school clubs and after school activities provided me with many opportunities to connect with adults and fellow students. These experiences have helped me form a passion for teaching. I look forward to the future where I am able to lead a classroom of my own allowing students to also develop a deep interest for the French language. Having studied French since grade one, I understand the benefits of learning a second language and I am eager to pass the baton down to the next generation of youth.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Toronto Transportation Club as I am grateful for this scholarship and I look forward to my journey in University.

2022 – Uday Prashant

I am a first-year student at Western University, London, diving into the fascinating field of Computer Science. I graduated high school as an Ontario Scholar and with an IB Diploma. All through my school years, I have broadened my learning with active participation in extracurricular activities within and outside school.

My involvement in Musical Theatre has been inspiring and thought-provoking. This involvement has led me to several roles at various musical and commercial events. What's more, I have always been an ardent athlete and have consistently secured spots on school teams. While the goal was never to win any awards, I have been fortunate in securing a few memorable ones. I have also participated in many volunteering initiatives including the Social Justice Club in my school. With technology being the driving force of the modern era, the Computer Science program will catapult me toward my career and life goals.

All this has only been possible with the continued support and guidance of my school teachers, parents and peers. I would also like to sincerely thank TTC for running this scholarship program supporting higher education. I am grateful and honoured to be one of the recipients of this prestigious award for 2022.

2022 – Disha Shetty

My name is Disha Shetty, a current year one undergraduate student at McMaster University in the Life Sciences Gateway program. Although just beginning my first year, I started volunteering in both psychology studies and biology lab work. I plan on exploring both these fields in my upcoming years at McMaster. For my second-year major I plan on joining the Honours Biology and Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour program. I thoroughly enjoy psychology and biology and hope to pursue psychiatry in medical school post-undergrad. Additionally, I plan on minoring in computer science or anthropology dependent on my second-year course load. I am exceptionally eager to learn as much as possible about these fields. I plan on partaking in research, internships, and jobs related to psychology and biology throughout my undergraduate education.

2021 – Christian R.P. Bergmann

I am honored to be one of the recipients of the Toronto Transportation Club Scholarship 2021.

My name is Christian Bergmann from Toronto, Ontario, a recent graduate of the University of Toronto Schools. I am currently enrolled in my first year of Bachelor of Applied Science Degree, majoring in Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo.

I have always balanced my academic goals with studies of multiple language, sciences, athletics, and hockey at highest lever possible. During my high school years, I was also able to contribute to the community, participate in speech and debate competitions, join in multiple athletic clubs, been voted athletic representative by the student body.

After I obtain my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a Master of Engineering degree at the Technical University of Munich. I considered my self a citizen of the world with my base in Canada and my life dream is to contribute, small or large, to the benefit of the society in the engineering sector. Thank you for enabling this opportunity!

2021 – Om Shanbhag

Hello! I’m Om Shanbhag from Mississauga, ON. I attended The Woodlands Secondary School where I graduated with honours. Over the course of the past few years, I’ve spent many hours dedicated to my school and community. In school, I was an active member of my student council, played on the badminton team, wrote for the school newspaper, and was a peer mentor, assigned to help younger students with their classwork. Outside of school, I spent the majority of my time as the vice-chairperson of Volunteering Peel, one of the largest volunteering organizations based in Peel. As a student-run organization, we connected events coordinators in need of volunteers to student volunteers in need of volunteering opportunities.

I’m currently pursuing a bachelor’s in Integrated Science with a specialization in Biology at the University of Western Ontario. I’m very excited to be in this program, where I’m able to study what I love with others who are passionate about the same subject. I hope to pursue further education after my undergraduate degree, specializing through either a Master’s degree or a PhD. Finally, I express my sincere gratitude towards the Toronto Transportation Club for assisting me with this scholarship, relieving some of my financial pressures while providing me with access to new opportunities.

2021 – Ariana Smit

My name is Ariana Smit. I recently graduated from St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, and now, I am a first year Life Science student at McMaster University. I plan to major in biology for my undergraduate education. I have always been passionate about the sciences, specifically biology, and I cannot wait to further my knowledge of these concepts in university. Moreover, my dream has always been to become a dentist, specifically an orthodontist, and I look forward to where my university journey will lead me.

2021 – Trinity Stodola

My name is Trinity Stodola. I am from Oakville, Ontario, and I am in my first year at McMaster University in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) program. I am fascinated with biology and plan to pursue medicine after completing my undergraduate degree.

During high school, I volunteered at my local hospital in the Patient Transport Department, worked at a physiotherapy clinic, and completed the Specialist High Skills Major program in Health and Wellness. In my community, I volunteered at the Salvation Army, the Good Shepherd Venture Centre in Hamilton, the Town of Oakville, and McMaster’s Venture Engineering and Science Camp as a Junior Counsellor. I was also involved in a variety of activities at my high school as a Hawkeye Mentor (peer mentor) and a Prefect. I was awarded the Junior Sportsmanship Award, the Science Subject Award, and on graduation, the Loyola Faculty Award in recognition of my contribution to school life.

I am extremely grateful to the Toronto Transportation Club for selecting me as one of their award recipients this year. This scholarship will allow me to focus on my academics and achieve my goal of making a difference in the healthcare field.

2020 – Nicholas Armstrong

My name is Nicholas Armstrong from Moncton, NB. I am currently attending the University of New Brunswick where I am in the sophomore year of a bachelor’s degree in Medicinal Chemistry. After I have completed my degree, I plan on continuing my education by attending a school of pharmacy. The eventual outcome of this pathway will be to become a pharmacist and, using my knowhow, provide healthcare to the members of my community. I am extremely grateful that I have been awarded this scholarship and it will provide ample support along my journey.

While attending high school at Harrison Trimble, I graduated as an Honours Society student as well as being a member of the student council executive. As soon as I am able, I plan to adopt similar roles at UNB through leadership opportunities related to residence and academics.

2020 – Zach Belfry

My name is Zach Belfry and I am honoured to be receiving this scholarship. I am in Sudbury, ON to study Paramedicine at Cambrian College. This has been a dream of mine for a very long time and it is now coming true. I intend on finishing this 2 year program and moving back home to Muskoka, ON to work and begin my career.

2020 – Stephanie Evans

My name is Stephanie Evans and I am from Oakville, Ontario. I am a graduate of Abbey Park High School where I was an honours student all four years and the graduating class Valedictorian. During my four years, I was an active leader on numerous sports teams and I founded a guide dog campaign to raise awareness for proper guide dog etiquette in support of my friend who lost her eyesight. I also worked with my school and the local YMCA to bring mental health and climate change initiatives to our community.

I am currently a first-year student at McMaster University pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences with the intent of majoring in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour. Following my undergraduate degree, I have my eyes set on attaining a Ph.D. in Neuroscience to conduct research in the field of mental health and degenerative brain disease.

I would like to express extreme gratitude to the Toronto Transportation Club, the board of directors and their members for awarding me this scholarship. With their help, the financial burden of post-secondary education will be greatly reduced for myself and fellow recipients. This scholarship will allow me to focus on my academics and achieve my lifelong goals of making a difference in the field of mental health and science. Thank you TTC!

2020 – Carly Roulston

I graduated high school at Christ the King in Georgetown as an Ontario Scholar in the spring of 2020. As part of the "covid cohort", I finished high school online, and also converted my job as a dance instructor to an online Zoom platform where I became a positive role model by encouraging kids to take smart risks, challenge themselves, and be active during the pandemic.

I spent many volunteer hours during high school as a camp counsellor at learn to sail/swim camp, including Ontario's BOOM program which allows for children and youth with special needs to have access to open water sports. As part of my passion for water, I also organized and ran fundraising events for Greer’s Project that supplies life jackets to the community summer program.

I have now started my undergraduate degree online at McMaster University studying Humanities / Cognitive Science. This program will allow me to work towards a post graduate Linguistics degree and a possible career in Speech and Language.

I would like to thank the adjudicator, and the Toronto Transportation Club for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. 2020 has been an extremely complicated year for graduates .Opportunities for summer employment were quite challenging, and University is a different environment than normal this fall. These funds will go toward specific software, text books, and tuition for my 20-21 school year, and are very much appreciated.

2019 – Rachel Benninger

My name is Rachel Benninger from Mississaua, Ontario. I am currently enrolled in my first year of a Bachelor of Applied Science degree majoring in Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo. I spent my secondary school years at Lorne Park Secondary School where I was an honours student throughout all four years and was awarded the school’s gold key which recognizes participation in extracurricular activities.

After I obtain my undergraduate’s degree, I plan to pursue a Master of Engineering degree. Eventually, I will also earn my Professional Engineer certification. I want to change lives for the better, while still making sure that my designs are safe. I am extremely grateful to the Toronto Transportation Club for awarding me this scholarship. Their assistance will help me to focus on my schoolwork and achieve my goals.

2019 – Roman Caldecott

Hello, my name is Roman Caldecott and I am a native of Kitchener, Ontario. I graduated with Honors from Huron Heights Secondary School. I am currently attending Conestoga College, and I’m enrolled in the Supply Chain & Operations Management program. I should also give credit to my Stepdad, Chuck Garvey, of Pierquip for allowing me some firsthand insight as to the benefits and opportunities this particular industry can present, which was another contributing factor in my decision to pursue this program. I look forward to making a positive impact within the transportation industry after graduating.

I want to sincerely thank the Toronto Transportation Club and its members for their exceptional fundraising efforts which make the Power of Education Scholarships possible. I feel especially honoured to have been chosen as one of this year’s recipients. I am truly thankful to be a part of this legacy.

2019 – Brooke Lewinsky

My name is Brooke Lewinsky and I am a first-year student at Queen’s University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in Political Science and Philosophy, with the intent to further my education in Law. I am an Ontario Scholar and graduated from West Elgin Secondary School where I was President of Student Council and the Public Relations Person. I was the first youth representative to participate on a panel at the Community Mental Health Forum where I provided my perspective on the stresses and issues affecting the mental health of youth in today’s environment.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to the Board of Directors and the Toronto Transportation Club's Members for their continued support of the over the years allowing more students to apply for this program and I'm sure I speak for all current recipients and future recipients when I say THANK YOU!!

2019 – Sarah Pullano

My name is Sarah Pullano and I am from Toronto, Ontario. I am currently studying Biology at York University, while also being enrolled in the Concurrent Education program, which will allow me to graduate with both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education.

Throughout my four years of high school, I have maintained a Principal’s Honour Roll (above 90% average), and at my Grade 12 graduation, I was the recipient of the Governor General’s Award, Top Academic Award, and Top All Around Female Award.

I would like to sincerely thank the board of directors for awarding me this scholarship as it will relieve much of the financial stress associated with attending university and will allow me to better focus on my studies so that I can achieve my dream of becoming a high school science teacher.

2018 – Cameron J. Blom

My name is Cameron Jacob Blom and I am attending my first year at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia. Within my undergraduate studies, I intend to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in philosophy and minoring in history. My eventual aim is to attend law school at the University of British Columbia and achieve a Juris Doctorate.

At Pinetree Secondary School, I was an honour roll student and volunteered extensively across the school from participating in a weekly recycling club, to attending nearly every volunteer event hosted by the school, to assisting as a member of the stage crew in a drama department rendition of Crybaby, to travelling to Laos to teach English, help maintain a school, and learn about cultural and developmental differences. Outside of Pinetree, I also volunteered yearly with the City of Coquitlam's Canada Day celebration and during campaigns for the 2017 British Columbian Provincial Election I volunteered nearly every day in support of the now-current MLA of my riding. In sum, I accumulated approximately 400 volunteer hours during High School.

My primary extracurricular commitment was in Model United Nations where I was among the most successful delegates of my club, winning an award at every conference I attended. Of six conferences attended in my two years within the club, I received the "Best Delegate" award three times. I also was an integral member of a trio of students who came in first place in the 2018 Junior Achievement British Columbia Online Business competition. At Simon Fraser University, continuing to pursue my interests in politics, I intend to seek election as a member of the Executive of the SFU BC Liberals organization.

I am wholly grateful for the honour of being selected for this award as such has provided a financial foundation through which I will be able to pursue my academic ambitions and would like to offer my most sincere gratitude to the Board of Directors and the Toronto Transportation Club.

2018 – Emily Kaunismaa

I recently graduated from McMaster University with an Honours B.Sc. in Biology & Psychology, and I’m currently a first-year medical student at the University of Toronto. In my time at McMaster, I was involved in several activities that complemented my goal of becoming a doctor. As a volunteer with Ronald McDonald House, I supported families with sick children. Although I helped with simple tasks, small gestures often make a big difference for struggling families and this volunteer experience was very rewarding. As a research assistant in the Psychology department, I studied how music could benefit children with coordination disorders; in the Biology department, I researched how a nutritional supplement could reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in mice. These projects required patience and perseverance, and I stayed motivated by focusing on the people who could directly benefit from the research. As a teaching assistant for Psychology and Biology, I strived to inspire my students to work hard and make them feel comfortable asking for help. I also supported my first-year students as they adjusted to university, as the transition from high school can be overwhelming. These research and teaching opportunities stemmed from my strong academic standing; in my final year, I won the Psychology Society Prize for the highest GPA in my program.

Considering the financial burden and academic demands of medical school, this scholarship has granted me the privilege of engaging with Toronto’s community. In my unstructured time, I plan to continue volunteering with Ronald McDonald House and advocate for policy changes that will work towards a more equitable health care system. I also hope to pursue enriching research, teaching, and mentorship opportunities that will make me the best doctor I can be. Thank you so much to the Toronto Transportation Club—I’m grateful and honoured to accept this scholarship!

2018 – Aislinn Wilmore

My name is Aislinn Wilmore and I am currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at Queen’s University. I am working towards achieving my Bachelor of Science (Honours) with the ultimate goal of majoring in Psychology and going to medical school.

Over the years I have gained a strong desire in wanting to expand my knowledge on humans and why they do the things they do. Having known many people who suffer from mental illness, I want to be able to make a difference in my community while gaining a further understanding of the science behind it.

Throughout my high school career at Brantford Collegiate Institute, I had the opportunity to partake in the French Immersion program as well as various clubs such as Link Crew, Safe Talk, and Student’s Council. Being a part of these various groups, I was able to help enhance the learning environment for all, while also developing my interpersonal skills. Balancing my schoolwork, my commitment to various clubs and having a part-time job for three years at East Side Mario’s has greatly improved my time management skills and I can proudly say I graduated high school with a 95% average. The qualities that I have obtained from participating in these activities and clubs will undoubtedly follow me through post-secondary as well as throughout my life.

Although my parents and I have made a conscious effort to save as much money as we can, we understand that attending university is a costly journey and the financial help provided by a scholarship is very important. I have big goals for my future and for those reasons I am eternally grateful for the financial aid that the Toronto Transportation Club has given me. Without the generosity of organizations such as yours, I honestly believe that the struggle to continue my education may be too bug of a burden to bear for myself and my family. Your contribution provides the ability for me to focus on my studies and not worry so much about the ongoing expenses that come with any higher education. Thank you very much.

2017 – Sophie Chase

My name is Sophie Chase, and I am in first year at the University of Toronto. Throughout my undergraduate degree I plan on majoring in sociology with a double minor in forest conservation and environmental biology. My goal is to take my Law Degree at the University of British Columbia and eventually practice environmental law.

Throughout my high school career I was in the International Baccalaureate program at Parkdale CI. In high school I partook in many clubs including: Eco Club, Gender Sexuality Alliance, Bike Club and Parkdale’s Organization for Global Awareness. Outside of school I co-ran a community after school tutoring program, volunteered with not for profit organizations such as First Books Canada and competed in leadership programs including Junior Achievers. Upon coming to UofT I have joined my residence building council as president of my house, as well as the sustainability commission and debate team.

This scholarship has been very influential in aiding my ability to join many groups at university and do my best in all my classes, as I do not have to worry about working on top of my class load and extracurriculars. I am very glad to be able to put my full energy into making sure I get the most out of this year and the next three years of my undergraduate degree.

I cannot thoroughly express how grateful I am to receive this award, and I would like to finish by thanking the board of directors for giving me this amazing gift.

2017 – Julia Anne Collins

My name is Julia Anne Collins from Toronto Ontario and I am currently enrolled in French studies with Early Acceptance into the Ivey School of Business at Western University. I learned of the scholarship through my father’s involvement with the TTC, as well my sister Tess Collins was recipient of the award in 2012.

At Bishop Allen Academy, I was an Honour Roll student in the French Immersion and Advanced Placement program. In addition to my academics, I was involved in extracurricular activities, including the cross-country, track, and swim teams. Having participated in these teams throughout my years at Bishop Allen, I was chosen as the swim team coach in my final year. I have been employed by the City of Toronto as a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor for the past three years starting when I was 15 years old. During my time at Bishop Allen Academy I accumulated over 400 hours of volunteer community service hours through a wide variety of causes including work with the homeless, coaching youth programs, peer tutor and counsellor for leadership training.

In addition, I have remained active in extracurricular activities and have been chosen as a swim instructor for the Swim Abilities program at Western. This volunteer initiative aims to provide swimming instruction and water safety to children with disabilities.

I believe the scholarship award validates my commitment to my academic achievements while balancing my extracurricular activities.

I believe scholarships are important as they motivate students to set and achieve goals both academically and socially that help to develop a balanced individual.

2017 – Robbie Suwary

My name is Robbie Suwary, an Honour Roll graduate from Richmond Hill Ontario. I am excited to attend York University pursuing a BSc in Computer Science. All of this is very typical for a teenager who has left high school and on to exciting new things, but I am anything but typical.

My passion in life is flying. My goal has always been to become a commercial pilot. I began to learn how to fly on a virtual airline when I was thirteen. Since then I have logged over 6,300 hours’ flight time. At the age of sixteen I attended ground school. After much persistence, I convinced my mom to allow me to have a flight medical so that I could continue my education. The day finally arrived and after a short conversation with the Doctor, my dream was over. The piece of the story I have yet to share is that I have Cerebral Palsy.

My sister Katie Kaplan, a partner at BDO Canada is a member of the Toronto Transportation club and she submitted my application. My perseverance in life sets me apart from other kids. I have always had to find a way to accomplish my dreams. Scholarships are important to kids both financially and for their self-esteem. We work hard to overcome obstacles and get to university and winning a scholarship is not just about the money but it makes me feel proud of what I have and will continue to accomplish. My goal is to use my degree in computer science to achieve a career that relates to flight. It could be programming aircraft, or developing software in the virtual world.

Perhaps I will be the person who finds a way for a disabled person to actually become a pilot? You never know what the future brings, but for me, the sky is certainly the limit.

Thank you, Toronto Transportation Club, for helping me to find my wings.

2016/2017 – Alexa Moschella

I am currently enrolled as a first year life sciences student at the University of Toronto: Mississauga. I am working towards achieving a double major in biology and psychology in pursuit of becoming a doctor one day. I thoroughly enjoy my program, the professors, my peers, and the many research opportunities available to me. I am glad that my university also has several outreach initiatives to partake in. Throughout my high school career, I was thoroughly involved in community service. Some examples include representing a children’s charity in the Youth Philanthropy Initiative Competition winning them $5000, being a child life volunteer at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, preparing and personally delivering sandwiches to the homeless on the streets of Toronto, and participating in a mission trip with Habitat for Humanity. Though I have only been a university student for a short time, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to receive such an outstanding education in a positive environment. I owe this to the Toronto Transportation Club for helping to fund my education through this scholarship. For that, I thank the Toronto Transportation Club immensely and assure them that this scholarship will be put to good use. Thank you for this honour.

Toronto Transportation Club scholarship winner

2016/2017 – Mathew Myles

Hello, my name is Matthew Myles and I am currently a First Year student studying Medical Sciences at the University of Western Ontario. I am very thrilled that the TTC board has chosen me as recipient for this year’s scholarship. I would like to thank all Board and TTC members for this gracious honour.

I attended Bishop Allen academy and applied myself in the AP program graduating with a 97 percent average and have received both the AP scholar with distinction, and AP national scholar (Canada) awards. Throughout my high school career, I developed my leadership through volunteer and community work and clubs centred around the environment and social justice. I have run initiatives including organizing dinners for 400 community members and bringing speakers from for organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and the Council of Canadians to help educate students on social justice issues.

Through my degree, I plan on pursuing a career in either research or medicine because I want to give back to society and have a positive impact on people’s lives. Thank you for giving me this incredible opportunity.

2015/2016 – Evelyn Williams

Hello, my name is Evelyn Williams and I am currently a first year Nursing student at McMaster University. I would like to take the time to thank the TTC and all of its Members for giving me this amazing opportunity. This financial assistance will really help alleviate some of the costs that are associated with funding my post-secondary education.

Pursuing a career in nursing has always been a dream of mine. I’ve always wanted to have a career where I would have the opportunity to make an impact on someone’s life. Being able to care for someone when they are at their weakest – and at times their strongest – moment in life, is a privilege and an honour. I have always had great respect towards health care professionals because of the commitment and passion they demonstrate in their roles.

Thank you again to the board and the members of the Toronto Transportation Club for supporting this scholarship and for rewarding me this honour.

2015/2016 – Jacob Knight

My name is Jacob Knight, and I am currently enrolled in the Biology program at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. I would like to start off by expressing my deepest gratitude in receiving The Toronto Transportation Scholarship. I had heard about the opportunity from my mother, Jamie Knight- who holds the esteemed position of Customer Service and Brokerage Manager within the Wheels MSM corporation- and I decided to give it a shot and apply. After all, Monopoly money can only you get so far nowadays. I have no doubt that the Toronto Transportation Club saw no shortage of bright and talented individuals, and that the committee had to make a number of difficult decisions. This fact only consolidates how fortunate I feel to be speaking with you all today. As such, from the bottom of my heart I extend my deepest thanks to the Toronto Transportation Board and its members. This gift not only supports me financially, but also hits a fundamental life lesson home: your returns are reflective of your investment. With your support, I will continue along my path to becoming a medical professional, expanding my horizons both in and out of the classroom. And keeping things light the whole way down.