Quest for Excellence

The Quest for Excellence program is a bursary program

for grade 12 students in Western Canada. It was
established by RE/MAX of Western Canada to recognize
the success and ongoing pursuits of Western Canadian
students in regards to leadership and community
contribution initiatives.
Over 1,100 essays were received in the 2018 Quest for
Excellence program. RE/MAX of Western Canada is
pleased to award 16 deserving students, $1,000 bursary
each to help further their education.

Here are the 16 winning entries for 2018.

 Sarah Han, Calgary, AB
My first year transitioning from a small town in New Brunswick to the bustling city of Calgary
was difficult. I was not an outspoken person and didn’t understand the real work it took to be a
true leader. To make friends, I forced myself to join a lot of clubs. I’d always wanted to join
debate, and had gone to one meeting back in New Brunswick but dropped it because my
friends hated public speaking. Now, nobody could hold me back. I was free to become whoever
I wanted. Thursday afternoons then became dedicated to debating. Soon, Monday afternoons
were filled up by Model UN, then Wednesday lunches by Amnesty International, and at 7am on
Fridays I found myself leading the elite string ensemble at my school. I was curious and
enthusiastic about all of the novel and interesting things happening around me, and threw
myself into participating in these clubs.

At school, I’ve been an executive of my school’s Amnesty International chapter for all 3 years. In
grade eleven, I led the group of executives to help remake the club: completely redesigning our
presentation and connecting with Amnesty Calgary, a branch of Amnesty International. The
club now has a much stronger presence in school, with support both from Amnesty Calgary and
highly dedicated members. Each year, I contact local cafes such as DAVIDsTEA and Starbucks for
donations to the AmnesTEA fundraiser, which is the highlight of the bake sale. The club also
circulates petitions around the school for signatures. In previous years, the club helped free
Albert Woodfox, a man wrongly convicted of murder in the United States. With Amnesty
Calgary, I have also walked in the Pride Parade, and am a local Youth Organizer helping to start
more Amnesty clubs in high schools across the city.

I have been involved in Model UN since grade 10, and became an executive in grade 12. I teach
students how to become confident public speakers, the techniques of diplomacy and
establishing connections, as well as writing realistic UN working papers. I am the chief of
operations for my school’s annual Model UN conference, and I am in charge of logistics such as
food catering for over 50 members on the staff, reviewing and editing research packages, and
ordering awards and notepads for the tournament.

One of the most significant impacts I’ve had on my community came about two summers ago,
when I was volunteering at the Calgary Humane Society, working with a camp counsellor who
had worked extremely hard all her life to get into medical school, only to hesitate at the last
minute because of the overwhelming stress. I couldn’t imagine how it must have felt to put a
lifetime of hard work aside, but I knew just how competitive and grueling it is to go into the
health sciences - almost everyone I knew wanted to become a doctor.

Inspired by the counsellor’s story, I knew that my friends, who were currently cutting off all
their other options, would be devastated to meet the same fate. Even though I had no interest
in becoming a doctor, I still proposed an idea to the school about starting a medical club aimed
at providing students with a better idea of the journey it takes to become a doctor. I was right
about the necessity of such a club. One of the largest classrooms in the school could barely hold
the number of people who came to the first meeting. My club, the Future Health Professionals,
organized fundraisers for the Canadian Cancer Society where teachers bought entire bouquets
of daffodils for each other, had guest speakers talk about their careers as doctors, and taught
members to diagnose common illnesses. We raised almost $500 in three lunch breaks for the
Cancer Society. I never fail to be amazed by the amount of misconceptions that my friends and I
had about what it takes to become a doctor, and I am both proud and incredulous that my
leadership and actions have had such an impact in the school community. The club, to this day,
runs strong.

In the community, I am a TD Youth Earth Ambassador. I work on year-long projects with my

team to raise environmental awareness in our city. So far, the team and I are working with the
Calgary Board of Education on cutlery made of sustainable materials in cafeterias and the
redistribution of waste in schools around Calgary. I am advocating especially to establish waste
stations so that students aren’t throwing away compostables and recyclables into the trash bin.
I am also leading the project to build a greenhouse made of plastic bottles with TELUS Spark,
Calgary’s science centre, to promote local produce and the reuse of materials.

I love to volunteer. This October, I finally had the time to begin volunteering at TELUS Spark,
Calgary’s science centre, and I help guests explore the exhibits and set up special activities
occasionally to make visits more personal. Over the summer, I decided to get involved in more
community volunteering. I took the 50-hour pledge to volunteer for 50 hours in 2 months.
However, I enjoyed helping out so much that I decided to go beyond that, doubling my hours to
100, helping out at homeless shelters, touring with seniors around the Calgary Zoo, and aiding
walks to raise awareness for diseases such as AIDS and Parkinson’s. The experience of giving
back to the community is extremely enjoyable, because though I am tired at the end of the day,
knowing that others benefitted from my work and seeing everyone’s smiles is the best part of
volunteering.

These experiences, however, cannot compare to the club that has completely re-shaped me as
an individual. I’ve been the most seriously dedicated to the debate club at school. For the past
two years, for three hours each Thursday evening, I’ve served as an executive, teaching other
aspiring young men and women to become confident in their public speaking skills. I’ve seen
timid grade ten students transform into individuals who are completely comfortable with who
they are. I can remember my first debate meeting, where I couldn’t speak for more than fifteen
seconds without saying “um” or hesitating. Over three years, I learned that there are times
when even the standard eight minutes of speaking time isn’t enough for me. I learned to deal
with impatient parent judges. I discovered the skills of communication from working with my
fellow debate executives when the stress ran high for us to run our own tournament. I jumped
at the chance to run statistics with my debate coach for the Provincials tournament - a huge
honour considering the professionalism needed and the pressure placed to run the most
important tournament in Alberta. Last but not least, I am incredibly honoured to be
representing Alberta at Nationals for French debate in my senior year, flying all the way over to
St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Looking back, it is hard to recognise the naïve little country girl who flew into the big city only 2
years ago. I hadn’t known what it took to truly be outstanding, but with my hard work and
dedication, I learned that I could stand out. By joining clubs and jumping at opportunities, I
realized that I could do it. In the end, I believe that my perseverance through hardship and
strength of leadership are invaluable assets that will carry me far in life, and are strengths
which merit consideration for this scholarship.
 Zoe Nicoladis, Edmonton, AB
For all seventeen years of my life, I have lived in Edmonton. I have at times abhorred the winter
weather, yearned for Vancouver’s lack of snow and bitter cold, but at the end of the day it is
home. That’s the basis of a community: home.

From Kindergarten to Grade 9, I was lucky enough to go to what was then Alberta’s only
public French school, Ecole publique Gabrielle-Roy. Although small, for most of my time there
only about 300 students were enrolled from K-12, this is where I learned about community.
Many, most in fact, were first generation Canadians, visible minorities, Muslim and/or some
combination thereof, although I would not recognize the incredibleness of such a scenario until
later on. For the longest time, I, with my blonde hair and blue eyes and painfully white skin, was
a minority. I learned so much at my years here, but the main take-home lesson was that
community is not about differences nor even similarities, it is about the wonderful human
tendency to cooperate, to love, for the sake of humanity, of neighbourhood.

Although now a near-graduate of an anglophone high school in which I am quite

possibly the furthest thing from a minority, I hold a deep appreciation to the Franco-Albertan
community. With this in mind, I tutor various children in French to assure others have access to
the vibrant world of Canadian francophonie, and have started a French Club at my school so
that students have a place to celebrate a beautiful language and culture. We aim to include all
people with our activities and events, because if I know anything it’s that humans cannot let
seclusion in, divide us.

Additionally, more so as an Edmontonian than a Francophone, I have volunteered for a

variety of Edmonton’s festivals. Of these, the most noteworthy are Fringe Festival, Heritage
Festival and Taste of Edmonton, all of which have allowed me to connect with a wider range of
Edmontonians. Volunteering is the heart of a community, a builder of ties and a chance to
contribute to other people’s contentment and wellbeing.

In brief, I am deeply joyful that already in my seventeen years of existence, I have been
able to connect and meet with so many wonderful people around my community. I hope that
even with the oncoming hardship of university, I will be able to continue supporting the
blossoming of communities. As Yehuda Berg once said: “A true community is not just about
being geographically close to someone or part of the same social web network. It's about
feeling connected and responsible for what happens. Humanity is our ultimate community, and
everyone plays a crucial role.”
 Erin Tester, Fort McMurray, AB
Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Remax Quest For Excellence scholarship. I am a
Grade 12 student at Westwood Community High School in Fort McMurray Alberta and aspire to
attend the University of Alberta to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I have grown up in
Fort McMurray and this community has instilled in me my competitive drive for sport, hard
work ethic and overcoming adversity.

Since the early age of 3, I started throwing curling rocks for fun. My interest in the game
started with my parent’s lifelong love and involvement in coaching and playing the game. As a
junior member of the Oilsands Curling Club, I started curling with a competitive girls’ team and
got my first taste of the hard work and commitment to play at a competitive level. When this
team broke up after the fire, I was not deterred and found a new team with girls’ from the St.
Albert Curling Club. I travel frequently for practices and competition during the curling season
and have set my sights on my next goal later this month to play at Canada Winter Games and
be Team Alberta.

In addition to my competitive team, I continue to curl in two recreational leagues and volunteer
with our home club. Most recently Fort McMurray played host to the 2018 Alberta Winter
Games and I volunteered for the curling event. I was honoured to be selected to throw the
ceremonial first rock during the opening ceremonies because I represented our zone at the
2016 Alberta Winter Games in Medicine Hat. The Oilsands Curling Club has had the distinction
of hosting three national events and gave me opportunities to volunteer in the shadows of
some of the best curlers in the world. The 2013 M&M Junior National Championships, I carried
the flag at the start of each game for Team BC. In 2014 and 2015, our Club hosted Sports Net
Grand Slam of Curling and I played in both Junior Grand Slam events. This early involvement
and exposure to volunteering for national events alongside my curling heroes made me a fan
forever.

My involvement in the game of curling has given me opportunities to coach and grow my
leadership abilities and to play the game with others at all skill levels. As a team player, I am
aware of etiquette on and off the ice and good sportsmanship with opponents and officials. I
always try to set that example to my teammates. I volunteer at my club when learn to curl
clinics are offered and coach at Fort McMurray’s annual ‘Craze Event’ at our recreation center.
I have always had a passion for music. I began concert piano at the age of seven, and alto
saxophone at the age of ten. I am an avid member of my high school senior band and jazz band,
and am a member of my school’s Music Leadership Team. I work alongside my classmates to
coordinate and organize events that aim to encourage students to get involved in music. I
believe music should be essential in the classroom and work to provide younger students with
any opportunity possible. A highlight was representing our school at the Anaheim International
Music Festival, hosted by DisneyLand. We performed and received lessons from the members
of the Disney Orchestra at the Disney Sound Stage. This trip required a commitment to
fundraise, maintain good school grades and attend all extra practices.

I have grown up in Fort McMurray and consider it to be my home. The events of the wildfire
and our mass evacuation will always leave an impression of how my community has impacted
me. We did not get out of town immediately and spent the first night up north at an oilsands
camp. I had my guitar with me and while sitting on Highway 63 for over 5 hours, windows
down, cars shut off to preserve fuel, I played my guitar. Stranded strangers got out of their car
and gathered around along with volunteers who came to us with water. The emotional drama
brought our immediate and extended family closer together. The caring from complete
strangers was incredible and something I will never forget. During the evacuation, I lived with
my grandparents in Burlington Ontario. I quickly found a summer job working at the Burlington
Farmers Market.

My chosen career path is to become a gynecologist nurse practitioner. This comes from my
passion for women’s health issues. This scholarship would certainly be welcomed towards my
education aspirations.

In conclusion, I look forward to graduating in June and moving on to my next step living in
residence balancing a full school schedule and curling. I appreciate this chance to share a little
about myself and my community engagement.
 Cassidy Read, High River, AB
My name is Cassidy Read and I am a grade twelve student, studying at Highwood High School in
High River, Alberta. Prior to Highwood, I attended Senator Riley, Spitzee, and Percy Pegler
schools. I would like to share a few details about my life and highlight some of my
accomplishments.

I have been a dedicated player on the Mustangs Junior and Senior Varsity Volleyball and Cross
Country team for the past four years. Every year, the senior volleyball team has a pumpkin
fundraiser and, over the last three years, we have decided to help out various causes based on
what was happening in and around the community. For my first year, we gave our funds to the
local High River Food Bank and the Food for Thought initiative. During my second year, one of
our player’s family members was dealing with Kidney Cancer and, as a result, we decided to
raised funds for The Kidney Foundation. In my third and final season, my teammates and I were
able to help out the community by raising money for the family of Tara Roe, a victim in the Las
Vegas shooting who also happened to be a teacher in the Foothills School Division, and who
was dedicated to helping students with special needs.

During the summer of 2016, I was a student in the FACES summer camp, which stands for
Facilitating Awareness Character building Experiences for Students. It is an amazing program
where students get to run, hike, white-water canoe, rock climb, repel and swim, all with the
help and support of student leaders and organizers alike. I enjoyed this program very much!
Fortunately, I was one of few who was selected to go back as a Student Leader the following
summer. While assisting to lead a group of approximately 40 teenagers in camp activities,
which included getting everyone up and ready for the early morning runs; I learned more about
how to be a successful and positive leader as well as grew as an individual. It was a great
opportunity for me to get involved in a program I strongly support and enjoyed myself while
also leading students to do their best.

Over the past seven years, 4-H has been a major part of my life. I am proud to say that I have
become one of the senior members of my club, the Okotoks Outriders (Light Horse). I work
hard to ensure that all the members feel welcome and have a good time while at 4H. My efforts
in maintaining a positive and friendly environment have paid off, as I am currently the Vice-
President of the club and have been since 2016. Thanks to the 4H program, I have had the
honour of volunteering at various events. In the past, I have helped out at a few of the Heritage
Park Markets, carrying grocery bags down to people’s cars for them and assisted in loading
their vehicles. Through the 4-H organization, I was also able to get a place volunteering at the
Davisburg Community Centre’s 8th Annual Turkey Supper. At this event, I was busy helping with
wagon rides, dishing plates of pie, replenishing food, cleaning tables, and managing children at
the bouncy castle. One large community service opportunity my club has is the REMAX house,
located in Spruce Meadows. As a club, we make sure it is kept clean and is open and welcoming
for seniors and families to use at their convenience. Personally, I enjoy working at the house as
it is nice to be able to provide a place of rest and play for both the young and ‘young at heart’
that attend the event. I have also worked on and polished my public speaking skills through
many different clinics and competitions, including competing at the Provincial level in 2016, and
again in 2017. These opportunities have given me the confidence needed in many situations
where communication skills are vital. In fact, I have encountered multiple situations where I
used these skills in radio and newspaper interviews to better inform the community and
surrounding areas on the 4-H program as a whole. A major opportunity that was presented to
me, as a result of my polished speaking skills, was that I was asked to be part of a selected
group whom would be interviewed by and converse with Gwyn Morgan, the former president
and CEO of Encana Corporation, regarding the various pressing topics presented.

As an active member of the High River Community, I was a participant of the Spring Ball
Program in 2017. Throughout the program, I gained many skills including how to give a proper
handshake, improved upon my resume writing skills and learned how to carry myself in a more
adult setting. After 8-weeks of dance and etiquette classes, formal dinners, mock interviews
and mixing and mingling, I was crowned as the 2017 Spring Ball Queen. This was a great
accomplishment, and it came with many advantages including being able to dance at the
Mother’s Day Tea at the local High River Hospital. It was a lovely morning greeting the seniors
and helping them to their seats where we enjoyed tea and some snacks while conversing with
many of the patients. After we danced for them, we were able to then walk around and talk to
many other seniors, giving them each a small gift, prepared by local businesses. Another aspect
I enjoyed was being able to lead the 2018 participants in any way possible throughout their
own 8-week program. This included helping with the dance classes, organizing and attending
events to ensure things ran smoothly, as well as improving relations within our own and
neighbouring communities through attending their own formals.

Through these diverse experiences, I have grown as an individual. Each situation has taught me
something new about myself and broadened my skill set. I am excited for the opportunity to
attend the University of Lethbridge and further develop into a respectful, hard working and
caring individual.
 Ifrah Anjum, Wetaskiwin, AB
Over the course of my high school years I have been able to find opportunities to make a
difference in my community. In grade 10, I volunteered at the long-term care center at the local
hospital. It allowed me to connect with many of the senior citizens in my community and
brighten up their day. I made some great friends there as well, who often shared their talented
artwork, or told stories about their youth and childhood. By volunteering at the hospital, I was
able to help the nursing staff with small tasks. Sometimes I helped feed the senior citizens.
Other times I helped set up the dining room for mealtimes by serving drinks to the seniors. I
also helped in transporting the seniors on wheelchair. After meals, I cleaned up the dining room
for the dietary staff. Then before bedtime when snacks came, I helped prepare the snack cart
and I took it around to the rooms and served snacks to the seniors. It was one of the best
experiences of my high school life. Often the dietary staff would be surprised to see the dining
room cleaned, and would really thank the volunteer for it. It provided a feeling of fulfillment, to
be able to help out and make a difference at the senior center. Many of the seniors became
good friends who joked, and told stories. Brightening up the days of individuals who faced
disabilities and illnesses provides a form of self-fulfillment. Helping nurses in small tasks
allowed me to make a difference in their day as well.

Besides volunteering at the hospital, I was also a part of the Youth Advisory Council on nutrition
that Alberta Health Services had started. Members of the council work towards determining
what the most widespread nutrition issue that youths face today is. As a council, we
brainstormed solutions that could resolve the issue. We critiqued different pamphlets and
brochures that were being made to target youths, and took part in consultation surveys that
Health Canada had opened to the public. In my second year on the council, I was involved in a
Peer to Peer Consultation survey. In this consultation, each member did some form of survey or
discussion through which they tried to learn the opinion of other youths in their school. Being a
member to this council allowed me to learn more about issues that surround other youths, and
the perspective of my peers. Since I am passionate about healthy lifestyles, I never really
considered the perspective or barriers that may have stopped other individuals from pursuing a
healthy lifestyle. Through this experience I learned about issues, which really broadened my
view on nutrition. Furthermore, it made me passionate towards healthy eating, and I realized
the importance of a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle is important for more than just sports
or staying fit. It is beneficial for an individual in many ways. Today society faces many issues of
obesity, deficiency, and disorders related to nutrition. By motivating and encouraging youths
across Alberta towards healthy eating, such issues can be resolved. Through all of this we can
create healthier individuals and a healthier society. The experience I achieved was motivating
and made me interested in learning about nutrition, health care, and making a difference in
society.

While I don’t exactly know what career I want to pursue after I graduate high school this June, I
do know that I want to be able to make a difference in my community by helping people and
solving the issues that society faces, either through education, health care or research. My
volunteer experiences in high school have taught me a lot about myself and my abilities to think
and make a difference. In the future I want to use these abilities to make a difference in the
lives of other individuals.
 Aaron Kondolay, Abbotsford, BC
My name is Aaron Kondolay and I am a grade 12 student from Robert Bateman Secondary
School who is living in Abbotsford, British Columbia. I believe that the leadership qualities, high
motivation, and communication skills that I demonstrate in school; my devotion to volunteering
and community service in my city; and my work in charity and fundraisers, exemplify why I
would be a great recipient for the 2018 Re/Max Quest for Excellence Scholarship.

To begin, I have contributed to my school in many ways that have enriched the lives of others.
Firstly, I am a part of the Kiwanis Key Club which is a club that advocates students to take part
in volunteer opportunities in the community; which I have done numerous times. Moreover, I
am also a part of my school's Lunch Club, which is a club where you eat lunch and forge
friendships with students with disabilities. This is something I am very proud to be a part of
because it allows me to communicate with classmates that I do not usually get a chance to talk
to, as well as it helps those students become more comfortable with interacting with me.
Seeing their excitement to talk to me fills my heart with compassion and joy, and allows me to
make new friends. Not only this, but I have a huge voice in my school since I have been a part of
its leadership program for all four years of my time at Robert Bateman. This has me setting up
events, running activities, and helping increase the overall spirit in my school. I am very
passionate about this because I love participating in activities and forming events with
students; bringing out a sense of friendship and community with my peers. Furthermore, I was
also elected to be a part of Robert Bateman’s Grad Council, which is a group of grade 12
students who represent the graduating class by planning everything that has to do with our
graduating year. Being elected showcases that my peers respect and trust me, knowing that I
will have their best interests in mind while making decisions. More school related activities that
I have done that are outside of school hours include being an usher for the convocation of the
graduating classes in previous years, and also volunteering at teacher conferences to help them
set up for the occasion to ensure that they run smoothly. These are the many ways in which I
positively impact the lives of those in my school community.

Next, I would like to discuss the other attributes that I have displayed in my local community.
To start, I have been volunteering at my local Salvation Army’s meal centre for over a year now;
which I adore doing. With this, I work in a kitchen and make food for the less fortunate in the
city of Abbotsford. After the food is made, we serve it to the people, which is my favourite part
about volunteering there. Seeing how grateful they are is a blessing and it makes me happy to
see these little things impacting people's lives so significantly. In addition, I have volunteered at
my grandparents business-Rainbow Garden Farms-every summer since grade 10. This is a
produce packaging plant, where I pack produce and handle paperwork. In the summers they
usually suffer from a shortage of employees so I am always wanting to help. Aside from this, I
have volunteered at my cities annual Tulip Festival for the past few years; where I help package
and sell tulips to customers which is always a fun event to be a part of. Another contribution
that I have made to my community is being a part of YC34. This stands for the Youth
Commission of SD34 which I was chosen to be a member of by my vice principal. This is a group
of students from the city of Abbotsford who gather education-related data from peers, and
then share this data with elected Trustees of the school district. To further explain, we are the
bridge between students and teachers that serve as a voice for students to the senior
management team of the school district. Having my opinions and voice be heard, not only by
students, but by the school district as well, is an honour because I love doing whatever I can to
make my community a better place. Finally I would like to mention that I was a part of CSLC
2015; which is the Canadian Student Leadership Convention that took place in Nova Scotia in
2015. I was one of four students that were chosen from my high school to be a representative
at this convention. Hundreds of the top leadership students around Canada were brought
together to one destination. This was an enormous honour to be a part of since I was an
ambassador for my school and community here, and learned leadership skills that I would
eventually model and bring back to my hometown. These are contributions that I have made to
my community that have enriched the lives of many.

Additionally, I have been a part of numerous charity events and fundraisers that enhanced the
lives of many citizens. To commence, I have been running stands for Kettle Day during
Christmas time at the mall every year during high school. I achieved this opportunity through
my school's Key Club, where I run a stand at my local mall that accepts donations for the
Salvation Army. Rather than sitting at the stand and waiting for people to come to me, I am
motivated to dance and interact with people in other ways in order to get people’s attention.
This works immensely with people coming up to me and saying that I put a smile on their face
which made them want to donate more. My friends and I usually also buy decorations and
props ourselves to make our stand look more pleasing and welcoming. Doing little things like
this showcase my determination in wanting to do all of my tasks to the best of my ability.
Moreover, I have also score kept charity volleyball games which raise money for the Kiwanis
Children’s Cancer Program. This is an exceptional activity to be a part of because it brings
together a wonderful group of people who compete in a friendly game of volleyball for the
purpose of a greater cause. I also volunteered at the Little Hearts Gala last year and hopefully
will do so again this year. This gala, which I helped run, supported and fundraised for the
maternity, pediatrics, and the neonatal intensive care unit at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital.
A huge amount of money is raised every year at this gala, so I am motivated to help organize
this event because of how immensely important and beneficial this is to our community. These
are some of the many charity events that I have been driven to participate in around my
community.

Overall, I love making people smile and using my strong leadership and communication skills to
contribute to my community in a significant and beneficial way. By using my voice in a small
community like my school, which evolved into helping out the city of Abbotsford as a whole
with my volunteer work, community work, fundraising participation, and charity events, I have
given back to the community which has given so much to me. For this, I would be honoured and
gracious to be a recipient of the 2018 Re/Max Quest for Excellence Scholarship.
 Samantha Devine, Comox, BC
My name is Samantha Devine. My dream career is to become an elementary school teacher,
and receive my education at the North Island College for my first year, and finish my degree at
the University of Victoria. I have a strong interest in working in an elementary school
environment, as I have spent a lot of my free time volunteering in local elementary schools, and
also organizing events to bring together the neighbouring elementary school with my high
school. As an active participant in my Leadership class at school, I have Have helped run and
manage a list of activities for my school including the Terry Fox Run, Spirit Days, Grade 8 Team
Building Activities, helped organize/decorate/run the Haunted House fundraiser at Highland
Secondary, organize and run two assemblies, pumpkin carving for Highland Secondary and the
Rotary Club, Activity Day for grade 3 and 4 students and grade 5 and 6 students from Brooklyn
Elementary, and helped assemble and organize the Christmas Hampers for families around the
Comox Valley. I am currently working to receive my bronze for the Duke of Edinburgh award
which is helping me to remain an active member of my community, as this award involves lots
of volunteer work. A strong interest of mine includes regularly volunteering at Brooklyn
Elementary, where I have been involved with in-class volunteering including lesson planning,
marking work/quizzes, having one-on-one time with students, assisting with
technology/language arts lesson on story writing, and assisting during cross country runs,
helping with the spelling bee set up and have choreographed and taught dance for dance unit
in grade 5 / 6 class, where I was a mentor and leader to the children. Annually, I have assisted
through volunteer in running the Remax golf tournament at Crown Isle. As a member of my
Interact club at school, we have fundraised for causes such as Doctors Without Borders, the
Rotary Club, local families in need, and many more. The Interact club is constantly searching
and working to find new ways to help our community. I would like to thank you for your time
and consideration for this opportunity.
 Evelyn Brisco, Kamloops, BC
My name is Evelyn Brisco and in my life I have been put in many categories: bookworm, pianist,
skier. Some of my biggest accomplishments are things that others may not find particularly
noteworthy. For example, I can read three books in one day and speak 2 (and a half) languages.
However, that by itself is not a reason to invest in my education. I believe that my community
and school involvement as well as the personal development that I have undertaken make me
an ideal candidate for the RE/MAX scholarship.

Community service has always been a passion of mine. Since I began high school, I have
volunteered in residential care facilities, soup kitchens and with the Out of the Cold program for
the homeless. When I started high school, many of my friends and relatives suggested that I
start volunteering. I knew there was a demand for volunteers, but it was difficult to find
opportunities where I could make a difference. Many other students in my community have
had the same experience as me. They wanted to help but didn’t know how or where. This led
me to co-found the Kamloops Youth Volunteer Club in 2016. My goal with this club is to give as
many high school students as possible the chance to help people in need in their community.
Currently, my friend and I lead this district-wide volunteer organization of over 90 members.
Our club runs one or two events a month. We have volunteered with organizations such as the
SPCA, the St Vincent de Paul outreach programs, and the Royal Inland Hospital. One of the
highlights was preparing thanksgiving dinner for 150 people with JUMP, a program which
makes food for people in need. A volunteer group may not seem like it is making a huge
difference. However I believe it is important because it has allowed me and many others to
make a positive contribution to my community.

I am an active member of The Culture and Diversity Club, the Sketch Club and the Model UN
Club. I also represented my school at Young Author’s Kamloops in 2017.

It had always been a dream of mine to write for a school newspaper. Sadly, my school did not
have one. Since I often write on my own and have several friends who write as well, at the end
of grade 11 we decided to create our own school newspaper, the NorKam Nexus. This was
similar to my experience with the Kamloops Youth Volunteer Club; we had to build everything
from the ground up. There were a lot of people who wanted to write, but we had little
experience with organization, journalistic teamwork, and printing deadlines. This was my
opportunity to make a difference in my school. I took responsibility for editing each edition:
fixing errors as well as aiding with wording and content. As the editor of the school newspaper,
it is my responsibility to make sure that the paper is ready to be printed each month. We
frequently run issues about controversial topics so it is my responsibility to avoid offence while
giving the student population the opportunity to learn something or to hear different sides of
an issue. We collaborate as a team through online platforms and work together to meet
deadlines. We have now published six editions and have had very positive feedback from our
student body.

In 2017, I was fortunate to be selected for a position at a non-profit camp. I worked with
children as a group leader and also in an industrial kitchen. While it is a paid position, Sorrento
Centre is based in the idea of community, inclusion and sustainability. The Summer Youth Staff
is part of a leadership development program and during my time there I developed strong
communication and team-working skills.

In terms of personal achievements, I am a recent Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award recipient. The
purpose of this award programme is to push young people out of their comfort zone and to
develop leadership abilities. Consistent dedication to volunteering, learning new skills and being
physically active is required to achieve this award.

I also love languages. I successfully achieved French Delf B2 certification which is proof of
fluency and competence in oral and written french. At school I push myself hard to succeed and
have always taken on more than a full course load. I am determined to make the most of any
education opportunity.

I am interested in many different disciplines, from history to cellular biology. I met with a local
pharmacist and a microbiologist to improve my understanding of possible fields of study. This
has confirmed my decision to study science at university because I feel that it addresses all of
my interests. I am especially interested in microbiology, biochemistry and genetics. I hope to
pursue a career in healthcare that combines the skills I have taken an effort to develop such as
decision making, communication, writing and teamwork. I think that my experience has
prepared me for a career involving service to others. I'm looking forward to embarking on a
field of study that can make a difference in the world. Any investment in my future would have
a profound impact and I appreciate your consideration.
 Tiernan Lafleur-Johnson, Kelowna, BC
Many experiences in my life have contributed to the person that I am today; experiences such
as my parents’ divorce, going to Africa when I was 14 to volunteer in orphanages, joining
musical theatre and even when, at the age of 10, I realized that I am gay. Though some of my
life experiences were difficult and overwhelming, I have always known that everyone meets
challenges at some point in their lives. I chose to take what I was given and, instead of getting
down about it, I decided to learn from it.

In 2014, my brother, my mother and I fund raised to be able to take part in a mission trip to
Uganda, Africa, to help volunteer in orphanages. This experience changed my life and forced
me to realize how lucky I am to have the life I have. Since this trip, I have become very socially
aware and grateful for all the opportunities I receive. I realize I have the potential to do
anything I want with my life. Not all people in this world have this opportunity. Therefore, I
have made the decision not to waste my time and not to be afraid of the unknown. Many of us
can get caught up in today’s fast-paced society and forget to look around and appreciate all
that we have around us.

The realization that has affected my life the most has definitely been when I realized that I am
gay. I was very fortunate to be brought up in a household and an environment where the
conversation about being gay, or simply being different, was recognized and acknowledged. I
have always been very comfortable with whom I am and in turn it has helped me to become a
very confident and accepting person. Although I still have insecurities from time to time, just
like any other teenager in the 21st century, I have learned to take those insecurities and accept
that there are certain things that we cannot change. Knowing who I am since I was so young has
allowed me to reflect on myself and on life and learn that, although it may be scary at times,
change is exciting.

When I first joined musical theatre I was so passionate about the art that it began to consume
my life, in a good way. My passion and my drive have only grown and I continue to want to
learn as much as I can. Between my schooling, work and my theatre schedule, I am very busy,
but I do not mind because it keeps me motivated, focused and has taught me to better manage
my time. I want to continue to pursue theatre because that is what I wake up excited to do
every day.

I would be nowhere near the person I am today without my family. My family has taught me
not only a lot about myself, but also a lot about life. They have always supported me in
everything I do, being my loudest cheerleaders, and for that I will be forever thankful. Though I
am still quite young, I love who I am because I understand I have so much to learn and still so
much to experience from my life. High school is only the beginning and I am so excited to see
where life takes me.

After I graduate from high school my plan is to go to university to receive my BA in musical

theatre. I have applied to three schools, one of which is located in Toronto and the rest of
which are in the United Kingdom. Although I am aware of the financial toll it will take to
become an international student, the reason I have decided to apply for more schools in the
U.K. is because I have a better chance of finding work in London once I receive my degree. Since
the U.K. has an enriched theatre community, I will be allowed to completely immerse myself in
the art that I love. After I receive my degree my goal is to pursue musical theatre on the West
End in London. Theatre is all about communicating, networking and who you know; therefore,
it is important that I create theatre relationships in the U.K. if that is where I intend to work as
an actor.

As theatre has been my focus, I felt it was necessary to consider an alternate form of high-
school education. Therefore, in pursuit of reaching my goal, I am attending three different
educational institutions. In 2015, I joined the Kelowna Actors Studio Academy; a performance
based high school where I am able to receive my theatre training. I am receiving my English
academic education from an online program named SCIDES, which has allowed me to manage
my theatre training and academics more appropriately. I am also attending Kelowna Secondary
school to receive my French Immersion credits in order to graduate with my Double Dogwood.
Joining the Academy has allowed me to prioritize my time so that I am able to obtain high
school credits for the training I receive. My training focuses on the three major theatre
disciplines: acting, singing and dancing. In acting we focus on proper communication based off
the character, character development, monologues and scene study works, relationship
building and tying in personal experiences to make a performance more realistic. My voice
lessons focus on breath control, vowel shapes and how to perform a song with emotion, as well
as basic music theory. Finally, in dance we work on different styles such as ballet, jazz,
contemporary and tap; focusing on technique, terminology and strength training. Additional to
the training, I have had numerous opportunities to be onstage in 17 of the Actors Studio's
mainstage productions and 4 of their yearly teen performance troupe's productions. I also
teach many of the seasonal kid's drama classes, which include stage managing and running the
show come performance day.

Participating in community theatre has not only matured me as a performer, but also as a
person. One of the most important lessons I have learned throughout my training at the
Academy is the importance of self-discipline and the rigorous time and focus that theatre
requires. I pride myself on being able to balance my busy theatre schedule while I continue to
maintain an honour-student status. I know theatre is a very competitive institution, but I am
prepared to continue to work hard and to learn as much as possible, ensuring I have all the
tools I need to be a successful performer.
 Catherine Taylor, Langley, BC
Imagine abject poverty – the kind of poverty where parents literally make dried mud patties for
their children to fill a hungry stomach? Imagine a life without education, leadership or hope?
This is life in Haiti. There is no government assistance, healthcare, education or even stable
electricity. My aunt and uncle operate a charity in Canada that raises money for over 300
orphans in Jacmel, Haiti. They also facilitate the adoption of Haitian orphans to Canada as well.
The work they do inspired me to make a difference. I could not help in the same way; but, I
wanted to do something that would assist these children. I started ‘Project Outreach’ at my
school, R.E. Mountain Secondary School in Langley, BC.

In my textiles program we made sock monkeys and each year most students would finish their
project; however, every year some students would leave a partially finished sock monkey
behind. Over the years there were many that needed a lot of work to complete. I decided that I
would get a group of students together during lunch and after school to finish these sock
monkeys and then have them delivered to the orphanage in Jacmel, Haiti. I talked with my
teacher and when I had the green light I spoke to my textiles class and some friends and we got
started.

Over the next five months we worked during lunch, after school and a lot at home where we
put the sock monkeys together. Many times I would have to motivate the group to continue as
everyone has busy schedules and although the first sock monkeys were fun to make it became
more of a chore to complete more than fifty. In the end we had more than fifty sock monkeys.
My uncle had organized a building trip to the orphanage and he was able bring them to the
children. I was able to see the photos of these children and watch a video of them receiving the
sock monkeys. They speak Creole in Haiti which is a combination of French and Spanish.
Although, they did not speak English they all said in unison “Thank you Catie” to me on the
video and this literally brought tears to my eyes. At the time two of my cousins were adopted
from Haiti – but, wouldn’t you know it … one of the sock monkeys went to my future cousin
Fabigail Taylor! To this day I have a photo of Fabigail beside my bed holding her sock monkey in
Haiti.

Instead of those pieces of sock monkeys sitting in a classroom without purpose I was able to
take the initiative and with the innovation of using my uncles’ access to the orphanage in Haiti
make a small difference and bring a much needed smile to the faces of these kids. Long term
the Orphans will know that someone cared for them and sent them love – who knows what
love can do to the heart of child in an orphanage in Haiti; But, I think an act of kindness can
bring hope and hope can bring change.

Teachers continue to talk about the difference the project made. I kept Project Outreach going
for one more year after the sock monkey’s and the next year I was a leader organizing a drive to
collect and distribute over 110 scarves to ‘Directions’ an organization for teens at risk in
Vancouver, BC. I now volunteer in two different schools in teacher’s classrooms as I want to
become a teacher as my profession. I help in the classroom by reading to the class and I work
one-on-one with students to help them with Math, reading and writing. I love it and I know
that I have made the right choice for my future career. I have worked with Grades 1 through 5
and I am now working with a Kindergarten class at Gordon Greenwood Elementary in Langley.
In addition, I volunteer as a Sunday School Teacher at Village Church in Langley which is very
rewarding. I work part-time as a Math Tutor at Mathnasium of Langley to raise money for my
education as well.

Additionally, I love writing and at the annual R.E. Mountain Secondary School Awards Night
2016/17 I was honoured to receive the award for “Top Student in Creative Writing 11”. I
received a certificate and a medal. I absolutely love writing and am passionate about it; yet, I
was truly overwhelmed and pleasantly surprised that I was the Top Student. I work very hard at
writing and spend many hours writing and adding ideas to my writing diary. This summer I met
with an Author who has offered to help me to be published. I continue working on a story and
will submit it to her once it is complete. I have the Top Student Award hung up on our wall of
achievement at home and I continue to work on developing my writing. I am in Creative
Writing 12 this year and I plan to work hard to possibly repeat this award!

Thank you for your consideration of me to receive the Re/Max 2018 Quest for Excellence
Bursary. My family has been through a lot. In 2012 my mother suddenly and unexpectedly
abducted my younger brother, sister and myself after 17 years of marriage. During the year we
were away from my Dad we suffered a lot of abuse from my mother and were very frightened.
I cannot explain how difficult of a time it was for us in this paragraph; however, it was terrifying
and I could not believe this was actually happening to my family. I did my best to shield my
younger brother and sister from the abuse; but, we all suffered greatly. After a year my Dad
was able to get us to safety through the Ministry of Children and Families, RCMP and the BC
Supreme Court. There is now a protection order in place in perpetuity against my mother and
there are many warrants out for her arrest. We have not seen her in 3.5 years. I was failing
school when I returned to my Dad and my life was a mess.

Through a lot of hard work, family support and therapy I have completely turned my life around
and in grade 10 for the first time I achieved the ‘B’ Honour Roll. The following year in Grade 11
I was able to earn a spot on the ‘A’ Honour Roll. I am doing very well in Grade 12 and I believe I
will achieve the ‘A’ Honour Roll again. My Dad is a single parent raising three children and as a
result of bringing my siblings and I to safety he lost his house and most of his life savings and we
do not have the funds we anticipated for University. We are working hard to make my dream
of becoming an Elementary School Teacher a reality; however, the Re/Max 2018 Quest for
Excellence Bursary Program would be sincerely appreciated and would be a great help for me
to attend University.
 Isabella MacKay, Victoria, BC
Through my years at high school, my involvement in Esquimalt Youth for Change and Inclusion
(EYCI) and my leadership experience in the music program have been my most impactful
contributions to the community.

When I joined EYCI in grade 9, I was attracted by the principle of the club: to create inclusion in
our immediate community as well as global change. EYCI creates various awareness initiatives
throughout the year, culminating in a large fundraiser at the end of the year. I have volunteered
at these activities for four years, two as co-president of the club. Working with the club, I use a
variety of platforms (social media, posters, announcements, activities, short films) to inform the
school about issues that affect the community, such as homelessness, bullying, and mental
health.

One of these initiatives was a week-long mental illness awareness initiative and school
assembly. The idea sprang from discussion among club members about the lack of support for
students with mental illnesses, and we created a plan to address that issue. I worked with a
team of students, including those who had experienced mental illness, to create informational
posters to put around the school. With the members of the club, I found qualified speakers
from different areas in the field of mental health to take part in the panel discussion. I also
organized for counsellors to be present at the event, and a variety of take-home resources from
Island Mental Health to be available afterwards. This event was beneficial to the community
because it tackled an issue which affects many students in our school, yet which people don’t
really talk about. Despite the school district’s recent focus on mindfulness, stigma around
mental illness is still prevalent, which can stop students from getting the help they need. This
assembly reduced stigma by exposing students to the stories of people with mental illnesses. It
also provided reliable information about mental health centred around the questions asked by
students at the assembly, and connected them to resources which they could access at home.
This event was also a learning experience for members of our club including myself, since we
learned about the discrimination faced by those with mental illnesses, and the improvements
needed in our societal ways of thinking. Though by no means a solution to the problem of
stigma surrounding mental illness, it was a step towards creating a more aware school
community.

As well as raising awareness, I also work with the group to create change by fundraising I have
designed the logos for, and planned the annual fundraiser, Cycle for Change. This event raises
several thousand dollars for local and global charities. Each year, we vote on a different local
charity, but we donate to the same global charity, a girl’s school called APU Malawi. A few days
ago, the club received a letter from a student at APU Malawi, thanking us for our donations.
Because of Cycle for Change, she was able to attend school and gain the chance of bettering her
future. Seeing how I can serve people as far away as Africa and as close as in the same building
has really reminded me of why I volunteer. Though I am involved in several other groups, EYCI
is the place where I have concentrated the most time and energy. I love working with other
passionate people to serve the community. It’s this balance of very localized action, and a larger
global impact which makes my contribution with EYCI so important.
Within my experience as a member of the Jazz Band, Concert Band, Concert Choir, and Musical
Theatre, I have also taken on leadership roles. As section leader in the Choir, I was responsible
for running break-out lessons for your section of the choir, to improve the sections’ skills with
the ultimate goal of being ready for performance. During the years that I was elected a soprano
section leader, our group had many new members. As such, it was a challenge to teach the
sessions in a way that would ensure that the newer singers, some of whom could not read
music, were ready for concerts. I experimented with clapping rhythms, counting beats out loud,
and speaking the phrases to help our section master the rhythms of the music, and played
sections of our songs on the piano to improve pitch. Another challenge within the group was
focus. Many of the soprano section members were either talking during our rehearsal, or were
shy to contribute to the lesson. To mitigate this problem, I asked members of the section which
pieces of music they wanted to work on and encouraged them to point out any mistakes we
made as a group, to develop their critical listening skills. Through mentoring younger members
of the choir, the section developed and we were able to perform at our school concerts and
sing with choirs from other high schools at the event South Island Sings.

My leadership roles are always changing as I seek new opportunities to make a positive impact
in the community. In EYCI we have recently created a haunted house fundraiser benefiting the
refugee relief in Myanmar, run a food drive for the Victoria Mustard Seed Food Bank, done a
sing-along at a local retirement home, and we are currently planning another fundraiser. With
another social justice group within the school, I will be playing in a concert raising money for
the Ocean Conservancy organization. As a member of the chorus in this year’s production of
Heathers, I have also taken on the responsibility of leading the soprano and alto sectionals, in
preparation for our performance in April. I am always busy with new projects and initiatives.
My experience in high school has taught me that leadership and community service are not
things done once, but a perpetual state of activity.
 Cassandra Lambert, West Kelowna, BC
I was born and raised in Kelowna, BC and treasure the beauty that we are surrounded with.
I have always been the type of person that likes to help others in some way.

I have a brother with Autism and have been part of his support network since he was quite
little...he is now 12. I have helped my family with behavior intervention, calming and socializing
techniques to help him succeed, enrich his life and have the best quality of life. I will continue
to be part of his support network.

For the past two and a half years I have been working at Mcdonalds Restaurant learning how to
work in the customer service industry, working with food and drink prep and food safe, cashier
work and working as a crew training new staff, providing leadership, motivation and great
customer service. Working in the public I've realized that you must act professional, be tactful,
be patient and always be there for the customers. You want the public to have a good
experience and to be able to tell others about how well you were treated.

I believe in life we should all strive to be kind, helpful, understanding, helpful and all work as a
team in work, school, home and in our community.

My Mom has been a huge inspiration on my life. She has always been involved with school
fundraisers and is currently on the committee at my school for raising money for my dry grad
event. I too am helping her with collecting donations from many supporters in our community
that want to be part of this important event. I think its so important to have these events and
I'm so Thankful to see so many want to be part of it. This is part of the community team work
that takes place in the area that I live.

When I'm at work, everyone has a job to do. We have to be working on a timely fashion so that
food is delivered safely to the customers, we have to pay attention to expiry dates also to be
safe and when you work in the food industry you must have the Food Safe Certificate as well to
make sure everyone knows the safety measures you have to take around preparing and
handling food.

Also..working in this fast paced environment, it is essential that everyone work in a positive
team atmosphere.

I also believe in being there as a community member to participate in helping the homeless in
your community. My Mom has always taught us kids to give to our community in this way. As
a child I watched my Mom give away food, clothes and money to help the homeless in our
community. I believe that everyone should help their community in some way whether it be
helping the homeless, donating clothing or food, volunteering at a homeless shelter, spca or
any other organization that helps the people in your community.

My whole family all my life has taught be how to be engaged, contribute and be a helpful
member of our community.
My Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother were all nurses, so I come from a very
helpful, caring, nurturing background.

Currently I have an application in at the UBCO Okanagan Campus for the Bachelor of Science in
Nursing..I too am caring and would like to be in the Health field helping others.
I'll be in school for four years and could really use this award to put towards my education. I
have been working for two and a half years saving money for my schooling, however it will cost
a lot and I would really appreciate any funds going towards helping me to become a nurse. This
position, which is much needed anywhere in the world will be a dream for me to be able to
help people.

My Mom currently works in the Health care industry and there is a demand for nurses here
and anywhere that I decide if I do in the future.

All my life I have always had a passion to help people and I will always feel this way. It's such a
rewarding feeling to be able to help someone in some way and it also makes the person feel
better too.

What a world we would live in if more people would be more caring. But I think by being a
good, helpful person, others see that and get inspired by it to want to do the same.
For the past two summers I have also been helping my Grandparents with housecleaning and
yard work. They are getting older and have some health issues, so they need help and support
from our family.

I believe its very important for family to also be there for one another anytime but especially
when they become older and their not able to keep up with their housework or yard work
anymore.

I know my Grandparents appreciate it because they tell me and I'm really glad that I can help
them as well.

Our parents and our grandparents and family are their for us when we come into this world and
all through our life, so I believe that it is a person's duty and responsibility as being a good
person to help them later in life when they can' t do everything. Its a way to say Thank you for
being there for me all these years and a way of repaying them for all that they did for you.
Life is so special and we need to be the very best we can every day and not take advantage of it.
A person doesn't realize how fragile life is until your health fails and your not able to do what
you used to do.

My advice to anybody would be to be the best person that you can be by contributing in some
way to your community doing volunteer work, fundraising for a good cause, helping the elders
or people with disabilities, helping the homeless, the spca, your family or somebody else in
need, take care of yourself by eating healthly, excercising, getting enough sleep, meditating,
listening to calming music, having nice warm baths, playing board games with your friends and
family, going out to social events, joining a group, learning a new skill, reading, swim, go for
walks, enjoy wildlife and nature, take time to stop and smell the flowers or enjoy the scenery
around you, adopt a child from Africa or another country in need for child sponsors so they can
have food, water or education, learn a different culture, try not to judge, be spiritual in some
way, and just try to live life everyday like its your last day.

I want to make a difference in this world, be happy and be the best person that I can be.
One day I want to look back on my life and be proud that I was able to be a good person and do
everything that I could do for my family, friends, and community.

We must always be keeping an eye out for people that need help or what we could do to help
out someone or help within our community. There is always someone in need of some help.
My Grandparents neighbors have some health issues for example and I offered to help them
with their yard work as well. They don't have a lot of family and the ones that they have don't
live close, so they don't really have anyone to help them. My brother or my Mom also helps
out with my Grandparents neighbors too. Also... when its winter, my Grandparents and their
neighbors are unable to shovel the snow, so we also go and help them to do that as well.
Since I have been in school I have always helped out where I can as well. I was involved with a
reading program where I helped children in younger grades with reading. This was so
rewarding because I remember when I was younger, older kids would get involved with the
same program and they would help me as well. Its like paying it forward idea...you can do this
in so many different ways.

I remember once we were in the drive thru at Tim Hortons and we got up to the window and
the girl says " the people in front of you paid for your coffee and drinks". We were amazed and
happy, so we too paid for the people who ordered behind us as well. We wondered...how
many people behind us paid it forward. What a nice thing to do.

As a family too with friends a few times a year we make up sandwiches and package them up
and hand out sandwiches and water to the homeless in our community which is a really
rewarding feeling.

We also belong to a church that does fundraising for different parts of the world that we're
involved with to help build schools, help educate kids, provide food, clothes and other supplies.
It feels good to belong to a group that does good things for our community and others too.
Having a spiritual connection feels really great too. Its like we have another family that
supports us and others as well.

Thank you again for this opportunity to have a chance at this award.
I look forward to hearing from you, should you select me.
 ZhiZheng Zhang, Brandon, MB
When considering for scholar applicants, the person’s contribution to the community weighs a
large portion in determining their qualification. Each contribution does not have to be big,
however they adds up to demonstrate the person’s value. I am strongly interested to use this
opportunity to introduce myself to the organization. My name is Derek Zhang and I’m currently
a grade 12 student at Vincent Massey High School. My efforts for the community lies both from
in school and outside the school. In school I am involved in many social clubs that plan and
execute small events that contribute to our community. Outside of school, I am also involved in
active volunteering and community events. This input to the community helps me gain more
experience with social interaction and has greatly expanded my knowledge of how a person’s
inner value is defined. To explain, a person’s inner value comes from the effort from
contributing the person’s surroundings and cannot simply conclude from school grades.
Therefore, I am qualified for the 2018 RE/MAX Quest for Excellence bursary throughout my
contribution in the community in volunteering, motivation, and leadership.

Firstly, I am qualified for the bursary from my volunteering involvement in the community. My
volunteering includes helping at the Samaritan House, cleaning during Summer Fair and
Midway Madness, fundraise for Canadian Cancer Society, assisting at Culture Day, and guiding
children from Career Trek. In Samaritan House, I am responsible for sorting and organizing food
donations, handing out supplies to customers and do general cleaning in the end. These works
require multitasking skills, patience and friendly attitude. My job of distributing donation
supplies enriches the community because it helps these people that cannot afford their foods,
clothing, medicines and etc. During Summer Fair and Midway Madness, I am responsible for
emptying the garbage bins and do general cleaning of the fairgrounds. The hours arrange from
8 A.M to 12:30 P.M and 1:30 P.M to 11:30 P.M, and many times I do both hours at the same
day from lack of cleaning crews. This enriches the community by creating a safe and elegant
environment for others in the fair. My contribution also includes fundraising money for
Canadian Cancer Society, in which I fundraises over $300 that is put into cancer studies. By
doing this has given hope to those suffering from cancers. Next in the Culture Day, I am
responsible for setting up the event, selling products, cleaning and taking everything down in
the end. I am also in charge of selling books, homemade honey and vegetables. This volunteer
event helps me to gain courage from interacting with people all across Brandon. My action is
important for the community because my help saves time and enhance the productivity of the
event. Lastly, Career Trek is my most significant volunteer contribution. It is a non-profit
organization that provides post-secondary education to youth from grade 5 to 6 all over
Manitoba. My role from the program is junior staff mentor and my position includes junior
instructor and junior group leader. To explain, while volunteering as the junior instructor, I am
assisting the instructor in delivering lessons to the participants, and I also teach one lesson by
myself. As the junior group leader, I assist the group leader in taking attendance throughout the
day and lead the group by myself for one day. My role enriches the program and community by
helping the youth to discover their full career or educational potential. Moreover, this program
allows me to gain valuable skills by interacting and building relationships with the participants
and staff members.

Another reason that I shall win the bursary is because of my motivation toward community
contributions. To be specific, I am motivated to continue to participating in community
charitable events to enrich the lives of others. The idea is inspired from my grandfather’s words
“The good thing you do to others makes you a good person, and a good person often will be
successful in the future”. Therefore, I believe by contributing my time and energy makes me
more successful in the future. My involvement makes positive impacts in the community and at
the same time helps me to improve my communication skills through interacting with different
people. Hence contributing works the same way back because I am learning new things while
helping the community.

Lastly, I am qualified for the bursary from my leadership involvement in school and community.
My leadership role includes being the editor for this year’s Yearbook Committee and Junior
Group Leader at Career Trek. The reasons I joins these leadership positions was because I
wanted to explore my potential of leading others. As a yearbook editor, I am challenged to lead
my committee and guide them to complete our school’s yearbook. At the start of the year, I
established the goal of reformation for this year’s yearbook. Aiming for reformation means that
many things from before are changed. To do so, I lead my committee with a new theme, new
fonts, new page design ideas and much more. In addition, I have to plan every meeting ahead
of time, this includes creating different presentations and research ideas during spare time.
Following after each meeting, I send emails to all members and advisors with agenda of our
discussions and job roles for each member. Nevertheless, being the leader of Yearbook
Committee isn’t an easy task. During the first and second meetings, I was unprepared and
experienced a large volume of stress when delivering speeches to the group. In overcoming this
issue, I started to plan everything ahead of time to prepare myself for the upcoming meetings.
Yearbook has helped me to learn how to be a responsible leader and to recognize the
importance of trust between myself and others, since without trust we cannot cooperate to get
works completed. As a junior staff mentor, I must lead the children to gain greater self-
awareness and increase their knowledge about occupational opportunities. From my earlier
explanation on the program, this is done by assisting the staffs to deliver a smoother lesson. My
role enriches the program by creating a link between staff and students. Furthermore, my
involvement also helps them in making new friends while learning about the value of work to
them as individuals and as the community.

To reiterate, my contributions to the community are definitely suitable for the RE/MAX bursary
requirements throughout my volunteer, my role enriches the program by creating a link
between staff and students. motivation, and leadership. These events directs me to become
more determined for my success in the future. In my upcoming undergraduate years, I am
planning on taking classes at the University of Toronto to further my chemistry career in the
field of Chemical Engineering. The RE/MAX bursary is crucial for my success in the future as it
will help fund my studies. With the bursary, I am more confident to keep making positive
contributions to the society and to achieve my dream of becoming a Chemical Engineer in the
future.
 Avril Brown, Winnipeg, MB
Throughout my life, I have aimed to be an involved citizen in my community. I am proudly
involved in organizations that work with Manitoban children and youth with disabilities,
cultural organizations, local arts organizations as well as my school community.

I have found a passion for working with people with disabilities. I began volunteering with
children with disabilities when I was 4 years old through my mother’s work as a Physiotherapist
with the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities. I started by participating once a week in a
preschool classroom for children who had hearing loss and developmental delay. My playing
and learning with these children modelled language and social skills (although I thought at the
time I was only there to have lots of fun and meet new friends!). After starting school, I
continued to volunteer in the preschool classroom on in-service days, as well as assisting at
holiday events and picnics.

In 2016 I began volunteering with the Rehabilitation Centre for Children (RCC) in their “Saturday
Night for Teens” program which brings 12 to 21 year olds with developmental and physical
disabilities together for an evening of therapeutic recreational activities and supper. In June
2017 I accepted an offer to work at the RCC summer day camps, which gave me experience
working in a variety of specialty day camps for children and teenagers with disabilities. Being
assigned a camper to work with one on one each week gave me an amazing opportunity to
form relationships with campers with a wide range of needs and abilities. My summer job
taught me about “guided participation”, which is the use of non-directive communication to
give the teenager the opportunity to think and make decisions. I have used this communication
skill, as well as my team work experiences, at school and in my other community activities.
These experiences have taught me the importance of including others and being a welcoming
role model. It has also helped me be more patient when assisting others.

I have been heavily involved in cultural organizations around Winnipeg since the age of 13. I
am currently in two folk dance and music ensembles. The first is Le Ragazze Italiane. I have
been a dancer in this Italian folk group since 2014. With this group I have had incredible
experiences performing at various events in Manitoba, as well as Thunder Bay in 2017 and Chile
in 2016.

Representing Manitoba and its Italian community at Encuentro Internacional de Folklore in

Concon Chile was very impactful. In addition to performing nightly at the large outdoor stage,
we did outreach visits and performances in smaller communities during the daytime. These
outreach visits to small towns in Chile were powerful and eye-opening, as we performed for
people who would not otherwise have had the opportunity to attend performances. It was very
humbling and rewarding to give back to these communities who were so welcoming and
appreciative!

I am also a member of La Troupe Jeunesse de L’Ensemble Folklorique de la Riviere Rouge. I have

been a dancer in this French-Canadian dance group since 2016 and have learned a great deal
about the Winnipeg French-Canadian community. Troupe Jeunesse also performs at various
events and festivals throughout Manitoba, including Folklorama and Festival du Voyageur. The
group also runs workshops at schools where we perform and teach children of all ages and
abilities how to gigue, which is very rewarding and fun! In 2017, our group danced at the
Canada Summer Games Closing Ceremonies, and performed at the Winnipeg Symphony
Orchestra’s Holiday Pops Concert. Both of these performances were really amazing
opportunities to share my love for French-Canadian culture through music and dance with
larger audiences.

I am proud to be involved in the Winnipeg arts community through my commitment to the

Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB). I began dancing in the RWB’s recreational division program at the
age of 3, studying a variety of dance styles. I have auditioned and participated in the RWB
Intensive Training Program and Dance Ensembles where I represent the RWB at various dance
competitions and workshops. Since 2014, I have given back to the RWB by volunteering as a
teaching assistant with preschool and beginner dance classes. I love being a role model for the
younger students and sharing my love of dance! Being part of the ballet school has taught me
the importance of teamwork, time management and diligence, while allowing me to express
myself artistically.

I have also volunteered with the Winnipeg Fringe Festival since 2015, which allows me to work
with the public at different theatre venues. Through this I have had the opportunity to meet
performers and tourists from around the world who also share my love of theatre.
Finally, I am very active in my school community. I have attended Mennonite Brethren
Collegiate (MBCI) since Grade 6, and have consistently been on the First Class Honour Roll, with
my current grade 12 average being 96%. I have been heavily involved in all aspects of the MBCI
music program, including concert band and jazz band (clarinet) as well as concert choir,
chamber singers and participating in school musicals. I participate annually in the Brandon Jazz
Festival, opened for the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, and recently played live on the radio for our
local Classical radio station. I am proud to be a role model for the younger students at school.
The music program has allowed me to build relationships and mentorships with students in my
grade, as well as younger grades in the school.

I have also been involved in leadership through my past participation in student council at
MBCI, serving as grade representative for grades 6, 7 and 9. Being a grade representative gave
me the opportunity to reach out to everyone in my grade and encourage others to be involved
in school life. I enjoyed the opportunity to hear what others wanted to see or do in our school,
and advocate for those views at student council. I was also able to learn new skills to improve
my leadership and grow connections with students in other grades.

I am currently a member of the Model United Nations Club. This has provided me an unique
experience that has taught me how the United Nations works, explore issues in our world, gain
different perspectives of other countries, as well creating position papers and developing
debating skills. This club has also been a great opportunity to meet others in my school who
have a mutual interest in conflict resolution. I will be travelling to Vancouver this April to
participate the Canadian High Schools Model United Nations conference.
I have been accepted to the University Of Manitoba Faculty Of Arts for fall 2018. With my
interest in human rights, diversity, disability and justice I hope to attend law school so I can
further develop my skills and continue to have an impact in my community.
I would like to thank RE/MAX for establishing this scholarship and supporting local
communities. This scholarship has a great message by acknowledging leadership and
community contributions in Western Canada. Thank you for providing this wonderful
opportunity to high school students.
 Sarah Hazen, Saskatoon, SK
I started volunteering at a very young age, and remember always wanting to make a difference
and give back. Every December 1st, my sister and I would clean out our toy boxes and book
shelves and take them to inner city locations to donate. We’d also participate in providing
Christmas hampers for the largest family in need. One particular year when I was 7 years old,
one family stuck out. They had 9 kids and 2 hearing impaired parents that only communicated
by signing. My family chose them to support because my Mom knew sign language, and they
were a big family that we could help. We collected toboggans, bikes, quilts, clothing, boots,
food and even a washing machine. We set up a Christmas tree with them and put gifts for each
of them under it. The day we delivered it all, and all the kids made trip after trip to our vehicles
to unload, was one of my happiest memories. We were changing their life for that short period
of time. We continued to support the same family for 4 years until they left Saskatoon. We also
would volunteer as a family at the Friendship Inn preparing or serving meals, cleaning or
whatever needed doing. During the winter we were “snow angels” by shoveling driveways and
sidewalks as a family as well. When I was around 11 years old, Jordi (my little sister) and I
decided to talk to our parents about getting a foster child. Not a family one, but one supported
only by Jordi and myself. We had to provide answers to important questions and have
everything thought out before our parents would agree. Once they did, we welcomed Fiona
from Kenya into our lives. We held bake sales at school and did yard work for neighbours once
a month to earn money to pay for her to attend school and receive medical care. I also held
small garage sales and sold crafts to buy her extra birthday presents or gifts at Christmas.
Helping out in my own community is very important to me as well. When I was 7 years old I
began running in Charity Events and raising as much money as possible. I’d canvas my
neighborhood, call all my extended family and sent emails for support. I ran and raised money
for the CIBC Run for the Cure (6 years), for the Terry Fox Foundation (10 years), and canvassed
for the Canadian Cancer Society. Cancer has affected so many people in my family, so I wanted
to do something to make a difference. I also ran and raised money for KidSport and Raise-A-
Reader (Bridge City Boogie) Arthritis (Jingle Bell Runs), Diabetes and the Chrones and Cholitis
foundation.

Once I started Grade 9, I began volunteering in my community as well and have continued to do
so over my 4 high school years. I have been a semi-regular volunteer at the Friendship Inn (I
was interviewed for our local TV station for my service there), Ronald McDonald House of
Saskatchewan, Salvation Army and with Operation Santa. These have been very rewarding
experiences, and all unique and special in their own way.

In addition to being a leader in my community, I feel I have brought those strengths to my

schools and athletic teams as well. Starting high school in September of my Grade 9 year, I
remember being told “Get Involved, it will make it the best 4 years of your life”. I took that
advice to heart and joined the SRC (student representative council) and numerous sports. As a
Grade 9 SRC member, I was one of 15 students in a school of over 1000 that planned pep
rallies, organized school wide activities like welcome week, football game spirit (face painting,
cheers, tailgate bbq, etc) as well as other spirit events throughout the year. I made the Grade
10 (blue girls) volleyball team as a Grade 9, and lead our team to a city silver medal and was
called up to finish the season with the Senior Girls Volleyball team where we earned the right to
play in provincials. I was on the blue girls basketball team as well, and our team won the city
championship. As a wrestler, I became a city silver medalist and won the Provincial silver medal
in my weight class and competed in Track and Field in cities as well. On each of these teams, I
was called on to lead by example but also by voice, heart and passion. I learned so much from
my coaches and teammates that year, and was so grateful to be given so many wonderful
opportunities. For each of my next 3 years I followed the same motto and competed for my
school in various sports from September right through to June and became an SRC executive. I
was named Athlete of the Year in Grade 10 and was awarded the Elwood Harvey Leadership
Scholarship in my Grade 11 year for community involvement. My teams became city champions
in Senior volleyball along with 2 Bronze Provincial medals, City champions in Senior basketball
as well as being the Provincial Champion and I added badminton and golf into my schedule too.
It has been so rewarding to meet so many different people and be a part of some really
wonderful events because of it. In addition to high school sports, I have also played club soccer
with the Premier Aurora team, club basketball with Slam and Kaos and club volleyball with JCVC
and the Junior Huskies. I’ve been named captain on many of these teams, and received many
personal and team awards with them including the “Leader of the Pack” at an awards banquet,
player of the tournament/game numerous times, and provincial medals but being part of these
teams and being a great teammate is more important than the results or awards.

I think I am a passionate person, and have wanted to make a difference in my community and
to a girl living in poverty in a 3rd world country, but I’m also passionate about my education
(I’ve been on the Principal’s Honor Roll every year at St. Joseph High School) while competed at
a high level in multiple sports. Once I graduate in June, I’ll be moving to Edmonton to attend a
Faith based private University (King’s University) where I am enrolled in pre-optometry. I plan
to continue my passion of giving, learning and participating in sport in post-secondary and have
been signed to play volleyball with the Eagle’s Volleyball Team. This university focuses on faith
and moral development and reaching out to help others, and I’m looking forward to being
involved heavily there too. Helping others has enriched my life and made me grateful for all I
have, and I believe that remarkable things would happen in our communities if others
recognized what their gift of time and kindness would do. Thank you for providing students like
me, the opportunity to apply for the Quest for Excellence Bursary.
 Anne de Gala, Swift Current, SK
When I was a kid, I didn’t have the guts to ask for packets of ketchup from the cashier at
McDonald's. As weird as that sounds, it remains an integral part and reminder of how I’ve
grown. I remember being so terrified and anxious because I was too shy to talk to a stranger, or
anybody other than my family for that matter. All I had to do was ask for extra ketchup and I
couldn’t even do that. The fear of being judged always lingered around me and it hindered me
from doing things I wanted to do. I hated it, but it’s okay. Over the years I have reinvented
myself by achieving things that hammered down the barrier that separated me from my goals—
my fear of public speaking, interaction, and opinion. That fear has actually benefited me and
allowed me to pave my own way for me. The way I see it, excellence is not the end objective,
but rather something that can be continuously achieved, even in the smallest scale.
Moving to Canada at a young age was like starting on a new canvas. Canada is a country full of
opportunities, but I wasn’t one to recognize opportunity when it was right in front of me back
then. It wasn’t until my fifth grade teacher persuaded me to join a group called the K-Kids that I
saw the significance of opportunities and giving back. We were a group of primary students
who fundraised and volunteered in the community. For instance, we sold hot chocolate in the
middle of winter, we participated in clothing drives, apple drives, and many more. I grew a fond
interest in being involved in our community during my time as a K-Kids member. However, it
was when I was around ten years old that I achieved something that truly sparked my
motivation to be better and to be more involved.

When I was ten, I joined a city-wide art competition in which I came second in my age division.
It was the first time I felt that I achieved something on my own. It wasn’t luck, it was all me. In
that moment, I truly understood why people used cliche lines like, seize every opportunity. I
developed a “why not?” attitude from then on. Contributing more to events in the community
became a must after I felt that spark. For Canada Day, I joined the annual parade where I
danced a traditional dance that showcased my culture, along with some of my friends. To this
day, I still participate in Canada Day events, whether it’s the parade or the flag raising.
Some of my biggest achievements would be from when I was in middle school. In seventh
grade, our class decided to do our own personal project where we wanted to raise money for
the Regina Palliative Center’s Caring Hearts Camp. My class voted for me to be Vice President
which gave me more faith in myself. We wanted our community to be aware of our own project
and to garner support. In order to do this, we wrote letters addressing our project and went to
different local businesses and business owners to give those letters to. They were generous
enough to sponsor us and contribute to our cause. We held fundraising events in our school, as
well as raffles with prize baskets filled with donated items from our sponsors. In the end, we
raised well over $1000. The President, myself, and another friend were invited to drive to
Regina, Saskatchewan to meet up with the organizers of the Caring Hearts Camp, where we
gave them a big cheque. It was an achievement I will not forget. The year after that, my 8th
grade class wanted to do a similar project. This time however, it was for an international cause.
We called our cause Pennies 4 Change. Due to the current events at the time, we decided to
raise money for the victims of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. We reached our goal of $2000,
which was doubled by the Red Cross.

Now at eighteen, I am more than grateful that I have been the given the chance to try
numerous things. High school is the place that I have been able to cultivate my skills the most
thus far, whether it’d be socially or academically. We have the SLC, or the Student Leadership
Council at my school, which I am proud to be a member of for three years now. We host all
sorts of events and fundraisers, as well as volunteer for our community. Some examples include
volunteering at the soup kitchen, holding clothing and sock drives for our local youth shelter,
helping the Kiwanis Club with their apple drive, etc.

I am also part of my school’s business club where we promote financial literacy for youth. Our
club, like the SLC, volunteers and heavily participates at events where we can show support for
our local businesses. Showing support for them gives more attention to our growing city here in
Saskatchewan. The business club has introduced me to so many people that have inspired me
to keep an innovative mind and to pass on what I learn. It also has taught me how to network
with people better and to keep an open mind. The club even compelled me to join our debate
club, where I was able to test my public speaking and networking skills. I am proud to say that
my partner and I have won first in one tournament and third in another, and we are soon going
to be competing at the provincial competition.

All throughout high school, I have been and still am involved within my school and community.
I’ve contributed to our seasonal farmers market, flu clinic, our SPCA bookstore, Windscape Kite
Festival, and much more. There are so many events and occurrences where help or support is
always needed, and I’m always glad to be a part of; we have our local election through Elections
Saskatchewan, or Pride Week where I show support not just for its significance, but also to the
hard-working people who plan events to celebrate it.

Immersing myself in community or school clubs and events have significantly refined myself
and the skills that I possess. I have come to realize that I like talking to people and I’m always
interested in the different perspectives I encounter. My experiences have made me a more
empathetic person and I’m always ready to take on a leadership role or help somebody who is
struggling like I was when I was little. The growth I’ve seen in myself in my community is
something I am thankful for, which is why I decided that it’s time to see how my growth will
continue to thrive in a different community. I will be heading to the University of Toronto after
high school, which will be my biggest move yet, but a move I am going to take nonetheless. It
will be one out of many more excellent moments to come, just like the day I was finally able to
ask for extra ketchup.