Four deserving student-athletes from Ontario High Schools have been awarded $500.00 scholarships by the OFSAA Alumni Association. More than 65 applications were received from the following eligible associations: EOSSAA, LOSSA, ROPSSAA, SOSSA, TDSSAA and WOSSAA. This year’s winners are: Annika Squires from Thousand Islands SS (EOSSAA), Giuliana Marra from Medway HS (WOSSAA), Justin Davidson from Ancaster High SS (SOSSA) and Liam Frias from TL Kennedy SS (ROPSSAA).
OFSAA would like to congratulate Justin, Giuliana, Liam and Annika and wish them well in all of their future endeavours.
For more information on the criteria for selection and application requirements, please go to: https://www.ofsaa.on.ca/recognition/scholarships/ofsaa-alumni/
Justin Davidson is a grade 12 student at Ancaster HS in Hamilton. Justin was involved in five different senior sports teams at the school including volleyball, water polo, cross country, track and field and baseball while at the same time maintaining an average of over 97% during his final year of high school. Justin was also an executive member of the school’s athletic council in each of his four years and was also an outstanding musician in both the concert and jazz bands at the school. He has also acted as an orientation leader for incoming students at the school and has been a tutor in Math and Science for his fellow students. His community outreach is highlighted by his involvement as a volunteer team leader in the community BRIGHT RUN fundraiser and as an active participant in community food drives, baseball and softball. Justin believes that his involvement in school sport has allowed him to develop confidence, leadership skills and a true sense of belonging in his school community. One of Justin’s teachers had this to say about him: “Justin is a versatile athlete who has contributed in a myriad of ways to Ancaster High School Athletics and has demonstrated commitment, passion, and leadership in his four years as a Royal.” In the fall, Justin will be attending McMaster University to study Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences.
Liam Frias is a grade 12 student at TL Kennedy SS in Mississauga. During his time in high school, Liam participated in basketball, ultimate, volleyball and track and field. In addition, Liam was involved as a Student and Spirit Lead in the Student Athletic Association, was a photographer in the Yearbook Club and was part of the school’s Rock Band. In spite of his busy schedule, Liam was able to maintain a 90% average during his final year of high school. His community involvement included volunteering as an organizer in the local Terry Fox Runs, organizing and running elementary volleyball and basketball tournaments and he is an active member in his Church choir as a leader of the children’s group. In his application, Liam said this about the role of high school sports in his overall development: “Based on my experiences, I believe that learning about sports is just as much about learning about oneself. The impact that high school sports has had on me extends past the court and into my everyday life.” One of his teachers had this to say about Liam: “Liam is a vital member of our T.L. Kennedy school community and has taken on many leadership roles during his high school years. Liam takes great pride in his ability to be able to be the voice of his peers and his school community as a whole.” In September, Liam is going to study Nursing at McMaster University.
Giuliana Marra is a grade 12 student at Medway HS in Arva (London). Another outstanding student-athlete with an average of 96%, Giuliana participated in five different sports during her high school career. Being involved in wrestling, cross country, swimming, track and field and soccer clearly illustrate how organized and dedicated Giuliana was towards both her studies and athletics. In addition, Giuliana was a member of many different school organizations, including the Student Athletic Association, Student Council, Best Buddies Club and the Concert Band. Her community involvement was extensive and included volunteering as a coach for the London Special Olympics and the London Youth Soccer Organization along with being an active advocate for foster placements for feral kittens. In her letter to the committee, Giuliana emphasized that “sport quickly became a catalyst and pathway for my growth. I challenged myself by pursuing sports I had never tried before—cross country, wrestling, swimming, and track and field—and embraced the discomfort of being a beginner. ” In his letter of recommendation to the committee, one of Giuliana’s teachers said this about her: “Giuliana is an elite athlete who excels in multiple sports, including soccer, track, and cross country, yet she is always willing to step out of her comfort zone and embrace new challenges, as demonstrated when she joined the wrestling team in grade 9. Giuliana’s relentless determination and love for learning truly sets her apart from her peers.” In the fall, Giuliana will be studying either Health Sciences or Kinesiology at McMaster University.
Annika Squires is a grade 12 student at Thousand Islands SS in Brockville and she plans to study Education at Nipissing University in the fall. During her time at Thousand Islands, Annika took part in the following sports: cross country, track and field, basketball, volleyball, swimming and soccer while maintaining a 92% average in her academic courses. She was also a student-trustee with the Upper Canada DSB, the Co-President of the school’s Student Council, and Vice-Chair of the Student Equity Committee. Annika was also heavily involved in community organizations including Girls Inc. Upper Canada, Prescott Figure Skating Club and the Brockville Privateers Rugby Club. Most recently, she was awarded the “Big Impact” Award by the Big Sister, Big Brother Organization. In her personal statement, Annika stated that sports “taught me to work under pressure, stay disciplined, support my teammates, and lead through both wins and setbacks.” One of Annika’s teacher-coaches said this about her importance to the athletic program at Thousand Islands: “Annika is an encouraging and motivating force for her teammates, always encouraging them to do their best. She is always her team’s biggest cheerleader.”
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