Winnipeg, MB – Today, Mayor Brian Bowman awarded five recipients with the Mayor’s Scholarship for Community Leadership during a ceremony at City Hall.
Each of the five scholarship winners will receive a one thousand dollar scholarship in recognition of their consistent and outstanding dedication to making their community a better place to live and by solving community problems.
“It is very encouraging to know that so many of our young people care about and are taking action in our community,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “I am inspired by how these student leaders are already thinking about how they can make our community a better place, and I hope these scholarships will help them continue down that path.”
This year’s five scholarship recipients are:
Mercedes Sousa
High School: Transcona Collegiate
Volunteer Activities: Chair of the Spirit Committee, TCI student Council, TD Canada Trust Children’s Hospital BBQ, TD Breast Cancer Bake Sale, Canada Games Gold Choir, Big Brothers Big Sisters
Educational Goal: University of Manitoba, University 1 to Nursing
Rie Penner
High School: Glenlawn Collegiate
Volunteer Activities: Youth in Philanthropy, Indigenous Voice and Action Council (Signed WPG Accord), Spirit Week Committee, Member of Glenlawn GSA, Organized Halloween Food Drive for WPG Harvest, Festival du Voyageur, Oak Table Ministry, Louis Riel Public Library Youth Advisory Committee
Educational Goal: University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Commerce
Sophia Partyka
School: St. Mary’s Academy
Volunteer Activities: Helped organize a mental health awareness day for her grade (Grade 10), Chair of school environmental club, started “Klean Kits” at her school (collecting personal wellness products for the West Central Women’s Resource Center), St. Norbert Personal Care Home, Spence St. Thrift Store, Holy Names House of Peace, Beausejour Animal Hospital, Welcome Home
Educational Goal: University of Manitoba, Agribusiness
Linda Muzamuzi
High School: College Louis Riel
Volunteer Activities: Created and organized a Science Club (hosted presentations from university professors and other specialists in the field, taught the next group of students how to lead the club), member of the Justice Committee (volunteered at Siloam Mission and Christmas Cheer Board), Action Marguerite
Educational Goal: University of Manitoba, Science then Medicine
Betelhem Kassa
High School: Tec Voc
Volunteer Activities: Youth in Philanthropy, Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba, Newcomer Youth Civic Engagement Project, Equitas Project
Educational Goals: University of Manitoba, Science then Medicine
The Mayor’s Scholarship for Community Leadership rewards the achievements of Winnipeg’s future leaders and supports them on the path towards their educational and career goals.
Community leadership can be demonstrated through activities that promote racial and social inclusion, drive reconciliation, encourage environmental stewardship, and support or empower Winnipeg’s less fortunate. The recipients were chosen by an independent panel consisting of members from Boys & Girls Clubs, Volunteer Manitoba, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, and the Citizen Equity Committee.