Every year, we proudly recognize the hard work, determination, and community spirit of outstanding students through our scholarship, bursary and awards program. These awards reflect the values that define our Members, a commitment to education, perseverance, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Children, grandchildren and nieces or nephews of active Teachers Life Members entering any year of a recognized full-time post-secondary program in September 2025 were eligible to apply. All applicants who met the minimum average grade percentages were entered into a random draw.
This year we are thrilled and grateful to be able to give out additional awards. We’re celebrating an inspiring group of recipients who embody excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
J.F. Allen Scholarship Recipients
The J.F. Allen Scholarship honours students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, while maintaining an average of 80% or higher. Each recipient receives $2,000 per year for up to four years toward their post-secondary studies.
Jason Paolillo
Mr. Paolillo, who is beginning his studies at York University, says receiving the J.F. Allen Scholarship helps ease the financial pressures of tuition and motivates him to pursue his dream of becoming a criminal defence attorney.
Jason’s main inspiration in life is his younger brother, Ryan. Ryan has autism and is non-verbal. Jason draws strength and inspiration from each small step and accomplishment Ryan achieves.
Jason is looking forward to beginning the next chapter of his life. Although he will miss his friends, teachers and relationships he formed in high school, he’s excited to attend York University. He attended the tour earlier this spring and was blown away by the size of the campus. The tour guide happened to be in the law program and answered each question that Jason posed.
Kaelie Dowling
Kaelie is passionate about education and plans to become a secondary school teacher, studying theatre at the University of Guelph.
Kaelie’s aunt, Vanda Ferraro, is a teacher in District 19. Kaelie has always looked up to her aunt and says that this award feels like an opportunity to follow in her footsteps.
Kaelie credits her success to the resilience and time management skills she developed in secondary school, lessons she hopes to pass on to her future students.
Elle Giles
For Elle, education is both a personal passion and a family legacy. She plans to pursue a career in special education. Elle’s family has a history of educators, and she’s been inspired by their stories and shared experiences.
Her hands-on work supporting special education learners during her co-op placement helped confirm her goal to teach and support special education learners.
Ahkhash Shanker
Ahkhash’s academic and volunteer accomplishments were exceptional, spanning cancer research mentorship, mental health volunteering, and peer tutoring. We extend our sincere congratulations to Ahkhash for his many achievements and contributions.
Teachers Life Bursary Recipients
The Teachers Life Bursary recognizes students who demonstrate dedication to their studies, strong character, and community engagement, maintaining an average of 70% or higher. Each recipient is awarded $2,000, paid one-time.
Logan Richardson
A talented violinist and committed community volunteer, Logan has served as Concertmaster of the Windsor Symphony Youth Orchestra and mentors younger music students through local programs.
At school, Logan served as a Peer Helper for the past 2 years, where he tutored mathematics, provided transition support for incoming Grade 8 students, and partnered with Grade 4 students at a local high-needs elementary school.
Logan’s leadership, musical excellence, and dedication to helping others make him a standout bursary recipient.
Charlie Nikita
Charlie plans to pursue an Honours Computer Science degree in Applied Computing, developing technology that helps older adults navigate the digital world with confidence.
Gabrielle Wong
A competitive dancer who has represented Canada twice at the Dance World Cup, Gabrielle is now turning her creativity toward a degree in Global Architecture in Spain.
Gabrielle is inspired every day by her parents. Their support has shown her the value of hard work and following your passion.
Gabrielle had the opportunity in high school to begin learning about architecture and construction, which inspired her to go into the field of architecture.
She is mostly looking forward to studying architecture throughout history and how it has evolved to what we see today, the architecture of different countries, and fulfilling her passion for architecture and construction.
The award is meaningful to Gabrielle as it will assist her in reaching her dreams and goals for the future.
Jackson Lewsaw
Jackson discovered his passion for carpentry through a high school tech class and is now pursuing that path at St. Clair College.
The award means that Jackson will be able to help pay for a good chunk of his first year of college so he can focus more on his studies.
Jackson is most looking forward to being able to work in the enormous woodshop that St. Clair College has. When he toured the campus earlier this year, he was very impressed with it and with some of the complex projects he saw there.
Sachiel Andre
Sachiel is a visual arts leader, a two-time participant in the Black Student Summer Leadership Program, and a passionate student who continues to uplift and empower his peers through creativity and advocacy.
Sachiel knew he would be required to work hard for whatever he pursued in life and this aspect of his identity has shaped him into someone who always seeks to persevere. He worked hard to be accepted into a specialized program within the TDSB, as well as maintain his high average within class. When it comes to academics, he has always held himself to a personal standard of excellence.
Franchesca Resende-Sganzerla
Franchesca has come a long way in her academic and personal development throughout the years. Congratulations Franchesca!
Laila Hellebust
A gifted musician, conductor, and advocate for neurodiverse learners, Laila is pursuing music at Laurier.
Laila is also inspired by her violin teacher, Tanya Charles, who always looks for ways to improve and grow as a musician. Tanya’s career inspired Laila due to its diversity; she has played in a mariachi band, performed in the pit orchestra for The Lion King, served as concertmaster of an orchestra in Montreal, and played in a string quartet! Tanya encourages Laila to make her own artistic decisions rather than relying on her guidance all the time. (Tanya sounds like an incredible teacher to us!)
Alexia Abadir
Alexia began her Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto, with plans to pursue a PhD in psycholinguistics and research bilingualism and child language disorders.
During Alexia’s time as an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, pursuing an Honors Bachelor of Science (HBSc) degree, she learned that it is better to ask too many questions than to never ask and never know. Alexia learned that thinking deeply about something can indicate a passion for that topic, and, often, the best clinicians are passionate about their practice.
Alexander Abadir
Alexander is studying Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto, with hopes of entering medical school to become a physician. Receiving this award has validated all the hard work and dedication that he’s put into his studies.
Alexander is mostly looking forward to the co-op component of his program of studies because he will get to experience real life applications of what he will be learning in his courses. Alexander is also looking forward to experiencing university life and meeting professors and new peers.
Jamil Dean
Jamil, who is preparing to begin a role with Deloitte as an auditor, plans to pursue his CPA designation, applying what he’s learned about teamwork, leadership, and self-discipline.
Jamil says this year feels like the bridge between being a student and becoming a professional.
Tara Tsering
Tara has worked tremendously hard for her academics while still finding time to volunteer and work with her community. Tara is grateful that the bursary will truly aid her on her journey to become a future doctor/medical worker.
Aryaan Hamid
Receiving this bursary will allow Aryaan to focus fully on his studies and future goals. It will support Aryaan’s commitment to achieving academic excellence and giving back to others. Aryaan is determined to make the most of this opportunity and continue building a future founded on resilience, hard work, and perseverance.
Hall & Hall Award Recipient
Lillian Khang
Lillian is inspired by the idea that education can change lives. Whether it’s a student having that “aha!” moment or gaining confidence in themselves, she loves being a part of that process. Lillian is also inspired by the educators she’s had who were more than just teachers; they were mentors, role models, and sometimes the reason she kept going.
The Hall & Hall award means a lot to Lillian both academically and personally. It’s a reminder that the hard work, late nights, and passion she’s poured into becoming an educator haven’t gone unnoticed. Lillian told us that on a personal level, it’s incredibly motivating — it gives her confidence and pushes her to keep striving, especially during the more overwhelming moments in the program.
When Lillian first started her education journey, she thought she would follow a very traditional path as a teacher. Now, she’s open to exploring educational roles outside of the classroom too, like curriculum development, community outreach, or education policy. Lillian has realized that education doesn’t have to stay in the four walls of a classroom, and that’s exciting to her.
Continuing the Legacy of Learning
Through the J.F. Allen Scholarship, Teachers Life Bursary, and Hall & Hall Award, Teachers Life continues to invest in the next generation of educators, innovators, and leaders.
Congratulations to all our 2025 award recipients! Your stories and dedication inspire us, and your futures are bright.
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