Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association
2020 Scholarship Application
#Iamthechange #youarethechange #wearethechange
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) will hosts its 2nd Anniversary Scholarship Gala to recognize and celebrate students who are involved in building their community through volunteerism and leadership, and have demonstrated excellence in their academic pursuits. NACCA will be awarding Scholarships of $750 each to selected recipients in support of their post-secondary education. One student who has overcome significant setbacks while excelling in these areas will receive the Iris Malcolm Memorial Award* ($1500). For example, if five students are selected, four will receive an award of $750 each and one will receive $1500 (not both).
Eligibility
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
How to Apply
Please carefully review and complete this scholarship application form in full. All responses are bound by NACCA’s privacy and confidentiality policy and all responses will remain private. NACCA does not disclose any private information.
Should you have any questions, please contact Karen Mell at [email protected].
Submission Deadlines
All scholarship applications are due by May 31, 2020.
Submissions should be made by emailing [email protected] preferably in pdf format.
Statement of Impartiality and Independence
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association and its members, volunteers and executive council, understand the importance of impartiality and the consideration of any potential conflicts of interest in carrying out its scholarship selection process.
The selection of recipients for the NACCA Scholarship is conducted in an impartial manner through an independent selection committee. Candidate selection is based on evidence obtained from the applicants and is not influenced by other interests or other parties.
Other Details
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
Cancels Scholarship Gala.
NACCA regrets to inform you that the 2nd Annual Scholarship Gala, which was scheduled for May 23, 2020, is cancelled. The decision to cancel was made after much consideration, and due to the effects of the COVID – 19 precautions.
NACCA’s commitment to our youth, their education and leadership, is an integral focus of our mandate. Therefore, the 2020 Scholarships will be awarded to students who meet the scholarship criteria. In addition, the application deadline has been extended to May 31, 2020.
*The Iris Malcolm Memorial Award
The Ten Dollar Story
"Stories matter. Many stories matter. Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign, but stories can also be used to empower and to humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people, but stories can also repair that broken dignity."
-Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
When Iris Malcolm passed away at Southlake Regional Health Centre in September 2015, she left seven adult children behind (all scattered throughout the diaspora) and Ten Dollars in her purse. She never graduated from high school and she never went to college or university. She spent most of her life volunteering in the church and working diligently to take care of her children. She was peaceful, humble, and worked quietly. She had many gifts and talents but limited access to opportunities for higher education.
At first, the Ten Dollars in her purse felt like a badge of shame to her youngest daughter who was left to carry out her final arrangements as she felt that there was no inheritance, no grand story. Soon, she realized that there was an overarching narrative to her mother's life that would become the driving force for creating NACCA and the Scholarship Gala. The link that connected the past to the present was that Iris’ great-great grandmother would have likely worked on a plantation somewhere in Jamaica, cut-off from access to education and higher learning. Therefore, the significance of this legacy is the story that this award is rewriting. By overcoming significant setbacks, Iris was able to crave out a different narrative than the one prescribed by history.
The Ten Dollars from Iris’s purse was used to invest in NACCA in order to change the story of lack, to dismantle structures of Black exploitation and oppression, and to create narratives of opportunity and access for the people of African descent, regardless of origin. Retrieving and redignifying the stories of our ancestors is a rebuilding strategy. This award is the memory and hope for a more equitable future.
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) will hosts its 2nd Anniversary Scholarship Gala to recognize and celebrate students who are involved in building their community through volunteerism and leadership, and have demonstrated excellence in their academic pursuits. NACCA will be awarding Scholarships of $750 each to selected recipients in support of their post-secondary education. One student who has overcome significant setbacks while excelling in these areas will receive the Iris Malcolm Memorial Award* ($1500). For example, if five students are selected, four will receive an award of $750 each and one will receive $1500 (not both).
Eligibility
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicant must self-identify as a person of African descent /Black / African Canadian / Afro Caribbean or any other term denoting an African ancestry.
- Applicant must be a York Region resident and graduating from a York Region secondary school in June 2020.
- Applicant must show proof of acceptance and enrolment in a post-secondary institution (including apprenticeship and trade programs) as a full-time student beginning in September 2020.
- Applicant must submit a doubled-spaced, printed or typed statement about their achievements and why they think that they are deserving of the Scholarship Award. This should outline their academic achievements, volunteer work, leadership roles assumed, and may list extracurricular and/or community contributions made throughout their years as a secondary school student.
- Applicant must hold an overall academic average of 75% or higher.
- Applicant must submit two letters of reference— one from a school staff member, and one letter of character reference from a community member who is not a family member.
- Applicant will provide their high school transcript to support this application (grade 11 and mid term)
- Applicant will consent to the publication of their name and image by NACCA, if selected as a scholarship recipient.
How to Apply
Please carefully review and complete this scholarship application form in full. All responses are bound by NACCA’s privacy and confidentiality policy and all responses will remain private. NACCA does not disclose any private information.
Should you have any questions, please contact Karen Mell at [email protected].
Submission Deadlines
All scholarship applications are due by May 31, 2020.
Submissions should be made by emailing [email protected] preferably in pdf format.
Statement of Impartiality and Independence
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association and its members, volunteers and executive council, understand the importance of impartiality and the consideration of any potential conflicts of interest in carrying out its scholarship selection process.
The selection of recipients for the NACCA Scholarship is conducted in an impartial manner through an independent selection committee. Candidate selection is based on evidence obtained from the applicants and is not influenced by other interests or other parties.
Other Details
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
Cancels Scholarship Gala.
NACCA regrets to inform you that the 2nd Annual Scholarship Gala, which was scheduled for May 23, 2020, is cancelled. The decision to cancel was made after much consideration, and due to the effects of the COVID – 19 precautions.
NACCA’s commitment to our youth, their education and leadership, is an integral focus of our mandate. Therefore, the 2020 Scholarships will be awarded to students who meet the scholarship criteria. In addition, the application deadline has been extended to May 31, 2020.
*The Iris Malcolm Memorial Award
The Ten Dollar Story
"Stories matter. Many stories matter. Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign, but stories can also be used to empower and to humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people, but stories can also repair that broken dignity."
-Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
When Iris Malcolm passed away at Southlake Regional Health Centre in September 2015, she left seven adult children behind (all scattered throughout the diaspora) and Ten Dollars in her purse. She never graduated from high school and she never went to college or university. She spent most of her life volunteering in the church and working diligently to take care of her children. She was peaceful, humble, and worked quietly. She had many gifts and talents but limited access to opportunities for higher education.
At first, the Ten Dollars in her purse felt like a badge of shame to her youngest daughter who was left to carry out her final arrangements as she felt that there was no inheritance, no grand story. Soon, she realized that there was an overarching narrative to her mother's life that would become the driving force for creating NACCA and the Scholarship Gala. The link that connected the past to the present was that Iris’ great-great grandmother would have likely worked on a plantation somewhere in Jamaica, cut-off from access to education and higher learning. Therefore, the significance of this legacy is the story that this award is rewriting. By overcoming significant setbacks, Iris was able to crave out a different narrative than the one prescribed by history.
The Ten Dollars from Iris’s purse was used to invest in NACCA in order to change the story of lack, to dismantle structures of Black exploitation and oppression, and to create narratives of opportunity and access for the people of African descent, regardless of origin. Retrieving and redignifying the stories of our ancestors is a rebuilding strategy. This award is the memory and hope for a more equitable future.
NACCA Recognizes our 2020 Scholarship Awards Donors
- Andrea-Grant-Jones & Gary Jones
- Nicole Baxter-Lyn
- Pauline Jones & Elton Jones
- York Regional Police
- The Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament
“No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow.”
—Alice Walker
Monique is inspired to excel because of the sacrifices her family has made to secure her future. As a self-described first generation Canadian, she understands the value of hard work and taking hold of your dreams, instilled by her grandmother who she describes as “the biggest inspiration of my life”.
Monique also understands the importance of acknowledging her privilege and paying it forward through community service. She has focused her energies on voluntarism within the Black community in Newmarket and is working toward creating a generational legacy of education, empowerment and unity that will foster pride in identity, culture and history for people of African descent. Monique is passionate about helping others and this is evident in her involvement in the Caribbean African Respect Equity (C.A.R.E.) Club at Newmarket High School. An advocate for inclusive education, she also supported teaching staff to revise resources so that they could be more culturally relevant.
Monique is an accomplished singer and performer, having won the Vocal Award at her school and maintains a busy schedule of rehearsals and performances as well as part time employment, all while maintaining an 85% average in her grade 12 year and previously, meeting Honour Roll requirements throughout her high school career.
Monique will bring her strong academic skills, creativity and community leadership to her studies at Sir Wilfrid Laurier University where she will be working towards a bachelor’s degree in Human Rights and Diversity.
Congratulations on your achievements Monique, NACCA is exceedingly proud of you!
—Alice Walker
Monique is inspired to excel because of the sacrifices her family has made to secure her future. As a self-described first generation Canadian, she understands the value of hard work and taking hold of your dreams, instilled by her grandmother who she describes as “the biggest inspiration of my life”.
Monique also understands the importance of acknowledging her privilege and paying it forward through community service. She has focused her energies on voluntarism within the Black community in Newmarket and is working toward creating a generational legacy of education, empowerment and unity that will foster pride in identity, culture and history for people of African descent. Monique is passionate about helping others and this is evident in her involvement in the Caribbean African Respect Equity (C.A.R.E.) Club at Newmarket High School. An advocate for inclusive education, she also supported teaching staff to revise resources so that they could be more culturally relevant.
Monique is an accomplished singer and performer, having won the Vocal Award at her school and maintains a busy schedule of rehearsals and performances as well as part time employment, all while maintaining an 85% average in her grade 12 year and previously, meeting Honour Roll requirements throughout her high school career.
Monique will bring her strong academic skills, creativity and community leadership to her studies at Sir Wilfrid Laurier University where she will be working towards a bachelor’s degree in Human Rights and Diversity.
Congratulations on your achievements Monique, NACCA is exceedingly proud of you!
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
– Harriet Tubman
Ziphion has demonstrated the drive and tenacity to excel both as an elite athlete and as a scholar. He is described as a role model, treating others with respect and always going beyond to support his peers. Ziphion has a bright future ahead of him which is demonstrated by his ability to carefully balance his schoolwork while managing a very hectic athletic training schedule. An honour student of African-Canadian heritage, he is an example of the dedication and hard work required to fulfill your dreams. Ziphion will pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Windsor this fall.
Congratulations on your achievements Ziphion, NACCA is exceedingly proud of you!
– Harriet Tubman
Ziphion has demonstrated the drive and tenacity to excel both as an elite athlete and as a scholar. He is described as a role model, treating others with respect and always going beyond to support his peers. Ziphion has a bright future ahead of him which is demonstrated by his ability to carefully balance his schoolwork while managing a very hectic athletic training schedule. An honour student of African-Canadian heritage, he is an example of the dedication and hard work required to fulfill your dreams. Ziphion will pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Windsor this fall.
Congratulations on your achievements Ziphion, NACCA is exceedingly proud of you!
"Every time you state what you want or believe, you’re the first to hear it. It’s a message to both you and others about what you think is possible. Don’t put a ceiling on yourself."
– Oprah Winfrey
Julius’s desire to help young Black men understand their identity, worth and value is what makes him such a remarkable young man. In his own words, he desires to “raise the bar and redefine the standard of what a Black person is capable of, in all aspects of my life, despite the stereotypes that exist”. Julius is not only a talented Spoken Word artist, he is a devoted peer mentor who works with youth to re-imagine their possibilities despite the barriers presented by systemic racism. For his outstanding work with Black youth in the Rise Brothers Mentorship Program, Julius was awarded the Community Involvement Award, from the Alliance of Educators for Black Students.
Continue leading the way, raising the ceiling and inspiring a new generation to achieve great things!
Julius will be pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University this fall.
Congratulations on your achievements Julius, NACCA couldn’t be more proud of you!
– Oprah Winfrey
Julius’s desire to help young Black men understand their identity, worth and value is what makes him such a remarkable young man. In his own words, he desires to “raise the bar and redefine the standard of what a Black person is capable of, in all aspects of my life, despite the stereotypes that exist”. Julius is not only a talented Spoken Word artist, he is a devoted peer mentor who works with youth to re-imagine their possibilities despite the barriers presented by systemic racism. For his outstanding work with Black youth in the Rise Brothers Mentorship Program, Julius was awarded the Community Involvement Award, from the Alliance of Educators for Black Students.
Continue leading the way, raising the ceiling and inspiring a new generation to achieve great things!
Julius will be pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University this fall.
Congratulations on your achievements Julius, NACCA couldn’t be more proud of you!
"You never know which experiences of life are going to be of value . . . You’ve got to leave yourself open to the hidden opportunities."
– Robin Roberts
Tristan is a high achiever and talented athlete who is motivated to bring out the best in herself and others. Throughout her secondary school career at Newmarket High School, she has realized outstanding academic excellence, improving her performance over time through sheer determination and hard work. In grades 11 and 12, Tristan maintained an average of over 90% while being fully committed to her sport of basketball, family obligations and her work in the community. Her achievements have not come easily as challenging life circumstances have tested her resolve, yet possessing remarkable wisdom and humility, she expresses gratitude to have overcome adversity as it has taught her “the importance of being able to balance all aspects of life and find time for school, family, friends and extra-curricular activities”.
Tristan will continue to find the hidden opportunities while attending McMaster University’s Engineering program this fall.
Congratulations on your achievements Tristan, NACCA couldn’t be more proud of you!
– Robin Roberts
Tristan is a high achiever and talented athlete who is motivated to bring out the best in herself and others. Throughout her secondary school career at Newmarket High School, she has realized outstanding academic excellence, improving her performance over time through sheer determination and hard work. In grades 11 and 12, Tristan maintained an average of over 90% while being fully committed to her sport of basketball, family obligations and her work in the community. Her achievements have not come easily as challenging life circumstances have tested her resolve, yet possessing remarkable wisdom and humility, she expresses gratitude to have overcome adversity as it has taught her “the importance of being able to balance all aspects of life and find time for school, family, friends and extra-curricular activities”.
Tristan will continue to find the hidden opportunities while attending McMaster University’s Engineering program this fall.
Congratulations on your achievements Tristan, NACCA couldn’t be more proud of you!
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”
– Michael Jordan
Adelaide is a high achiever, enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program at Father McGivney Catholic Academy who has made her beloved African-Caribbean community her priority. Throughout her high school career, Adelaide has maintained an excellent record of academic achievement, attaining the highest mark in her school’s Co-Ed Physical Education course in addition to having been inducted into the Award of Honours Society, where she attained the distinction of being on placed on the Honour Roll every year of her high school career, grades 9-12.
Despite these achievements and her leadership roles in a number of initiatives, Adelaide is most proud of her contributions to the African Caribbean community at her high school. In her reflection, she shares, “ the most valuable leadership role that I held was being president of the African Caribbean Club at my school. I founded the club in my grade 11 year after noticing the minority group of [B]lack students at my school didn't have much representation or a way to get their needs met”. Since founding this organization, Adelaide has been a trailblazer, galvanizing her peers, organizing events and initiatives with the goal of eliminating anti-Black racism well before it came to media attention recently.
Adelaide will bring her high level of commitment, leadership qualities and excellent communication skills to bear as she begins her studies at McMaster University in the fall.
Congratulations on your achievements Adelaide, NACCA couldn’t be more proud of you!
– Michael Jordan
Adelaide is a high achiever, enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program at Father McGivney Catholic Academy who has made her beloved African-Caribbean community her priority. Throughout her high school career, Adelaide has maintained an excellent record of academic achievement, attaining the highest mark in her school’s Co-Ed Physical Education course in addition to having been inducted into the Award of Honours Society, where she attained the distinction of being on placed on the Honour Roll every year of her high school career, grades 9-12.
Despite these achievements and her leadership roles in a number of initiatives, Adelaide is most proud of her contributions to the African Caribbean community at her high school. In her reflection, she shares, “ the most valuable leadership role that I held was being president of the African Caribbean Club at my school. I founded the club in my grade 11 year after noticing the minority group of [B]lack students at my school didn't have much representation or a way to get their needs met”. Since founding this organization, Adelaide has been a trailblazer, galvanizing her peers, organizing events and initiatives with the goal of eliminating anti-Black racism well before it came to media attention recently.
Adelaide will bring her high level of commitment, leadership qualities and excellent communication skills to bear as she begins her studies at McMaster University in the fall.
Congratulations on your achievements Adelaide, NACCA couldn’t be more proud of you!
"I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go."
– Langston Hughes
Natacia draws inspiration and strength from her family and takes full advantage of the opportunities presented to her, holding to the belief that taking a leap of faith brings many rewards. Throughout her high school years, Natacia has taken that leap, serving her community by volunteering with a number of organizations while at the same time, excelling academically. She has won several awards in the Health and Wellness High Skills Major program at Dr. J.M. Denison High School in Newmarket. Natacia has also obtained highly valued certifications such as CPR level-C, Conflict Resolution and Behaviour Management which have honed her leadership skills. Natacia will pursue her passion of inspiring and supporting young people in the Child and Youth Care program at Seneca College this fall. Natacia’s inspiring story, hard work and perseverance have also given her the distinction of being selected as this year’s recipient of NACCA’s prestigious Iris Malcom Memorial Award.
Congratulations on your achievements Natacia, NACCA couldn’t be more proud of you!
– Langston Hughes
Natacia draws inspiration and strength from her family and takes full advantage of the opportunities presented to her, holding to the belief that taking a leap of faith brings many rewards. Throughout her high school years, Natacia has taken that leap, serving her community by volunteering with a number of organizations while at the same time, excelling academically. She has won several awards in the Health and Wellness High Skills Major program at Dr. J.M. Denison High School in Newmarket. Natacia has also obtained highly valued certifications such as CPR level-C, Conflict Resolution and Behaviour Management which have honed her leadership skills. Natacia will pursue her passion of inspiring and supporting young people in the Child and Youth Care program at Seneca College this fall. Natacia’s inspiring story, hard work and perseverance have also given her the distinction of being selected as this year’s recipient of NACCA’s prestigious Iris Malcom Memorial Award.
Congratulations on your achievements Natacia, NACCA couldn’t be more proud of you!
Elijah Gyansa
“You don’t have to be one of those people that accepts things as they are. Every day, take responsibility for changing them right where you are.”
– Cory Booker
Elijah is a young leader who has already made a significant impact on his school and his community, taking responsibility and spearheading change for the underserved. As a member of the President’s council at St. Robert Catholic High School, he has used his leadership skills to empower his peers to take action, creating awareness and safe spaces for racialized youth as well as helping to end the stigma around mental health. Undaunted by personal challenges, Elijah initiated many events to increase representation and equity in his school. At the system level, he served as the president of the Student Senate for York Catholic District School Board, where he worked with board trustees on policies and initiatives for over 55,000 YCDSB students. He also used this platform to initiate strategies for underrepresented communities such as Indigenous and homeless youth. He also led his student council to collect over 2,800 food items for Covenant House Toronto. In addition to maintaining a high grade point average, excelling in all academic areas, he also makes time in his schedule to support his community by volunteering at Sunnybrook Hospital and contributing to his faith community in a number of capacities, which support youth.
With his skills of innovation, leadership and exceptional character, Elijah is well prepared to succeed and in the Science program at the University of Western in the fall.
Congratulations on your achievements Elijah, NACCA is so proud of your leadership and academic excellence!
“You don’t have to be one of those people that accepts things as they are. Every day, take responsibility for changing them right where you are.”
– Cory Booker
Elijah is a young leader who has already made a significant impact on his school and his community, taking responsibility and spearheading change for the underserved. As a member of the President’s council at St. Robert Catholic High School, he has used his leadership skills to empower his peers to take action, creating awareness and safe spaces for racialized youth as well as helping to end the stigma around mental health. Undaunted by personal challenges, Elijah initiated many events to increase representation and equity in his school. At the system level, he served as the president of the Student Senate for York Catholic District School Board, where he worked with board trustees on policies and initiatives for over 55,000 YCDSB students. He also used this platform to initiate strategies for underrepresented communities such as Indigenous and homeless youth. He also led his student council to collect over 2,800 food items for Covenant House Toronto. In addition to maintaining a high grade point average, excelling in all academic areas, he also makes time in his schedule to support his community by volunteering at Sunnybrook Hospital and contributing to his faith community in a number of capacities, which support youth.
With his skills of innovation, leadership and exceptional character, Elijah is well prepared to succeed and in the Science program at the University of Western in the fall.
Congratulations on your achievements Elijah, NACCA is so proud of your leadership and academic excellence!
