The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association is excited to announce the seven students with hearing loss who were chosen as the 2023 Scholarship Recipients. These individuals were selected from a group of many worthy applicants.  The CHHA Scholarship Program received a record number of applications in 2023 with over 100 students applying from across Canada.

HELEN ALLEN STACEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Helen Allen Stacey Memorial Scholarship ($1,500) was created in 2022 in memory of Helen Allen Stacey.  It is renewable for up to 3 years, contingent upon satisfactory grades.

Recipient: Ava Majernik
School: Western University
Program of Study: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Personal Statement:  I hope to live a full, eventful, and inspirational life. I plan to work in health care, I am going to study nursing as my undergraduate, but I don’t have to be confined to nursing. I want to improve our world for all the people living in it but also for the generations of people to come. I believe we should be the change we want to see in the world and that it starts with us.

2nd Year Recipient: Sarah Madeyski
School: Mount Royal University
Program of Study: Bachelor of Nursing

Personal Statement:  See last year’s article.

YOUNG ADULTS NETWORK SCHOLARSHIPS
The Young Adults Network Scholarship ($1,000) was created in 2022. These scholarships are directed to students who want to continue their education. Two scholarships will be awarded each year.

Recipient #1: Jeanne Moreau
School: Université de Sherbrooke
Program of Study: MA Law, path with 2nd cycle DESS in common law and transnational law (Juris Doctor)

Personal Statement: I am passionate about the impact I can have on the lives of others by helping to resolve problems that affect the hard of hearing and deaf people, as well as all persons living through difficulty. My professional aspiration is to become a lawyer specializing in the rights of people, in particular, minorities and the indigenous. My long-term goal is to become a leader in the field of human rights and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Recipient #2: Melissa Scalzo
School: Toronto Metropolitan University
Program of Study: Graduate Program – Dietetics

Personal Statement:  Over the last decade, I have engaged in many professional experiences, all of which have allowed me to further my knowledge, learn, grow, and strengthen many skills and move closer to achieving my career goal of becoming a Registered Dietitian. This is where I realized my commitment to advancing research and innovation to make the world better and healthier.   I am enthusiastic about continuing my journey as a graduate intern candidate; a natural progression in the achievement of my career goal.

CARRELL HEARN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Carrell Hearn Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) is offered by the North Shore Branch in memory of this long-time member and resident of West Vancouver who passed away in 2014 at the age of 105.

Recipient: Colvin Wong
School: Simon Fraser University
Program of Study: School of Interactive Arts and Technology

Personal Statement:  As a member of the hard of hearing community, I have faced my share of challenges, but I am determined to turn those experiences into something positive. I aspire to become a Deaf Asian Canadian Director. I want to produce films that highlight hearing loss within the community and showcase the challenges we encounter. I hope that through my work, I can break down barriers and promote inclusiveness within the film industry.

FRANK ALGAR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Frank Algar Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) was created in 2004 by the Algar family in memory of their father who was one of the founding members of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association.

Recipient: Sofia Hasan
School: University of British Columbia
Program of Study: Bachelor of Commerce, Business

Personal Statement: I am an active member of my society as a coach and mentor to young players, all the while promoting and educating my peers to raise awareness for people who are hard of hearing. My hearing loss provides me with the motivation to prosper and achieve my fullest potential. My willingness to consistently disprove preconceived notions allows me to prosper regardless of any circumstances.

DR. CHARLES A. LASZLO SCHOLARSHIP
The Dr. Charles A. Laszlo Scholarship ($1,000) was created in 2007 by Dr. Doreen Laszlo to honour the commitment and work of her husband on behalf of hard of hearing people.

Recipient: Kariym Joachim
School: University of Toronto
Program of Study:  Doctoral Program – Medical Science

Personal Statement:  My lived experience has instilled in me a desire to work with people with facial differences and their families. I am passionate, self-directed, and committed to conducting high-quality research. Whether as a volunteer, advocate, researcher, or educator, I know that completion of my PhD will set me on the path to further this work as a scientist.

SUSAN BROWN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Susan Brown Memorial Scholarship ($2,000) is sponsored by CHHA-Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter for students entering their first year of a full-time program.

Recipient: Maria Suzan Raj
School: University of Alberta
Program of Study: Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences (with a minor in BSc Psychology)

Personal Statement: When asked to step out of class one day, I was presented with a young lady with rainbow-coloured hearing aids. She introduced herself as my audiologist. That moment became a revelation. This was what I was meant to do. I knew I had to be the inspiration that she was for me, a representation of what it means to be different. What I hope to achieve is very similar to the CHHA’s values: ensuring that every hard of hearing person can have the life they desire.

Thank you to all who applied and please feel free to apply again.  The CHHA Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for the 2024 academic year.  The deadline for applications is on or before April 12, 2024.  To learn more about the CHHA Scholarship Program, click here.