By Sean Delaney
The Emery Village BIA has once again shown its commitment to youth and the environment by awarding scholarships in 2024. These scholarships recognize outstanding student achievement from local high schools and highlight the importance of addressing climate change and its impact on the community and business.
This year, the focus is on Environmental Stewardship. Six exceptional students from Emery Collegiate Institute and St. Basil-The-Great College School have been honoured for their dedication to this vital cause. The recipients are:
• Khatiana Buban – Emery Collegiate Institute
• Rashidi Boyce – Emery Collegiate Institute
• Henry Acerra Parera – St. Basil-The-Great College School
• Liam Vu – St. Basil-The-Great College School
The scholarships were presented by Emery Village BIA Chair and Ward 7 Councillor Anthony Perruzza at the respective school’s graduation ceremonies. It’s a moment of pride for the community to recognize the hard work and commitment of these young leaders.
Sandra Farina, Executive Director of the Emery Village BIA, emphasized the significance of this initiative.
“Our local businesses support the role and importance of keeping our environment clean and healthy. Some of the negative effects of climate change impact both communities and businesses. We hope these bursaries will help the students overcome the financial burdens they may face and encourage them to pursue their goals. Along with our bursary, we wish to convey our best wishes and wish them every success in their future endeavours.”
Climate change is a pressing issue that affects everyone. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and ecosystem shifts are already impacting daily lives. Businesses face challenges such as supply chain disruptions, increased operating costs, and the need for sustainable practices. Communities are experiencing health impacts, property damage, and changes in local economies. By investing in the next generation of environmental stewards, the Emery Village BIA aims to foster innovative solutions and resilience in the face of these challenges.
The winning students exemplify the spirit of environmental stewardship and demonstrate a commitment to positively impacting the world.
The Emery Village BIA is proud to support these future leaders and looks forward to their continued success and contributions to a healthier, more sustainable world. Congratulations to Khatiana, Rashidi, Henry, and Liam. Your hard work and dedication are an inspiration to all.