The OSHOF kicked off its inaugural scholarship offering to five students in York Region Board of Education, Alliance o Educators for Black Students (AEBS) under the direction of retired York Region District School Board educator, Charlotte Reid.
The 2024/2025 Recipients
As a high achieving student and athlete, Ethan balances his athletic pursuits with academics prioritizing his studies while still giving his all on the court or track. He embodies leadership on and off the playing field and is respected by his peers and teammates. As a high-performance track and field and basketball athlete, he consistently has raised the bar leading by example, determination, and work ethic. He is a member of the Speed Academy and has dedicated himself to improvement. The result was his improved personal best times in the 100, 200, 300, and 400m, earning him the title of the York Region Indoor Champion in the 300m race. His goal is to secure a spot on the Canadian Junior National Team. Ethan is energetic, optimistic, a problem solver, an eloquent writer, and a storyteller, so it is not surprising that he has set his sights on pursuing a post-secondary education at an American university to study Sports Broadcast Journalism.
Nia is a leader, an excellent student, and a role model for Black female students, specifically her teammates and peers. She has worked diligently at her school to foster a positive climate for learning, equity, respect, and inclusion. She has offered academic support, personal advice, and encouragement on the court and sidelines. She has remarkable energy and a determination to improve the lives of others. She has always approached junior students and players with kindness and compassion as they integrated into the school and programs. Nia has played competitive basketball for years, scored many games, and helped at training camps to develop young athletes’ skills and their love of the game. She will continue to play basketball as well as further her studies at university where she plans to study Health Science with a minor in Business.
Timothy was the captain of the Bill Crothers SS Prep Men’s Basketball Team competing on platforms within Canada and the United States. He is a committed student-athlete who has triumphed over obstacles and shown leadership on and off the court. He also plays for the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association, which is the highest platform for prep basketball in Canada. His Ontario Provincial team advanced to the finals of the Canadian National Championship. He played in the OSBA’s Elite 8, and he was the leading scorer for the 2023-24 season with 21.9 points per game. He was also named to the OSBA’s First All-Star Team. His plan is to attend university and to continue with basketball.
Mikayla has been selected for this scholarship because she is a high achieving athlete and student. She plays at the highest youth level of soccer in Canada. She currently plays on the Canadian Soccer Association’s National Development Centre – Ontario team. She is a leader amongst her teammates and other young Black girls. She prides herself on her role as a lifeguard, a job that she has had since Grade 10. She also believes in standing up for what she believes. Throughout high school, she has consistently achieved an A average. She will be going to university to study Business Management.
Academics, leadership, community involvement, and resilience are important to Arianne. She juggles school, work, competitive basketball, and being an executive member of the Diaspora Club. This role has meant that she was able to organize and to participate in cultural and community events celebrating diversity and inclusion. She was the captain and MVP for her school team and captain of her rep basketball team. Arianne will be attending the University of Windsor in
the fall to play basketball, study sociology and criminology, and to follow her dream of becoming a bilingual social worker and/or a lawyer.