Carol Shantz Bursary Award

I was born with mild to severe hearing loss but I will not let that define me. My experiences have made me realize that even a small change can make a huge impact in improving someone’s life. I’ve chosen the Nursing program at University of Western Ontario with a goal to help the next generation’s future be as bright as mine.

Caitlyn is actively involved in student leadership, social media and audio-visual work at her church, as well as supporting its summer camp and Sunday school programs. Caitlyn is described by many as a dedicated student and a caring friend. She is excited to begin the Nursing program at University of Western with the future goal of helping children with disabilities.

I’ve always loved building things. And power tools; I get very excited about them! My future goal is to get a job in the skilled trades. I’m already one step closer, after completing a high school co-op in carpentry and learning the art of working with woods, oils, and stains. This fall, I’ll follow that dream in the Women in Skilled Trades Carpentry program at Conestoga College. I can’t wait!

Cheyenne demonstrates exceptional determination, and her teachers describe her as resilient, confident, friendly and respectful. She is skilled in using woods, oils, and stains after completing a high school co-op with a carpentry shop and she is eager to pursue a career in carpentry in the Women in Skilled Trades program at Conestoga College this coming September.

Joshua is a high achieving student who is actively involved in the community. Joshua is described as mature, kind, caring and friendly, and has supported KidsAbility through fundraising events with his family, including the highly successful annual Sounds of Christmas. This fall, he will attend McMaster University, majoring in Integrated Business and Humanities.

Passion, positivity, and potential are the trifectas by which KidsAbility alumnus Graydon Large accepts every athletic challenge. It’s these personal traits that help him succeed in all aspect of his life.

Graydon lives with a rare genetic disability called Spinocerebellar Ataxia, first diagnosed at 18 months. It affects the cerebellum, the part of the brain vital to the coordination of physical movement, and sometimes the spinal cord. While this inherited condition means Graydon’s hand-eye coordination, legs and mobility, and speech are affected, he and his family have always focused on doing what’s needed to keep his condition’s progression at bay.

Most of that focus has been channeled into Graydon’s passion for sports. Today, the 21-year-old Bluevale C.I. graduate is a local competitive triathlete and the first competitive Paralympic swimmer of his former high school, credited by his coach for genuinely paving the way for other students in Paralympic athletics. His natural leadership makes him an exceptional role model, and his community work placements are where his passion for working with kids shines.

A former ambassador for KidsAbility Foundation, Graydon reflects proudly on his entire journey with KidsAbility, “I’ve volunteered in several programs and camps, specifically assisting children at KidsAbility in the Arts Express camp as well as the KidsAbility JK classroom. It was a full circle moment for me as I was a student in the same classroom at four years old. And now, I’m supported with the bursary as I plan my current education and career path.”

Graydon is determined to embrace his future and all the possibilities ahead as the 2022 recipient of the Carol Shantz Bursary Award. He is experiencing first-year college life while he studies Recreation and Sport at Conestoga College, learning about educational support programs for kids with disabilities. At the same time, he hopes to help deliver physical activity programs at community service agencies.

Mathew knows what it’s like to overcome barriers and persevere. As a young man with autism, he credits the support of his wonderful family and the staff of St. John Bosco Catholic High School, in addition to his school years with KidsAbility as the foundation for learning strategies to communicate his thoughts and feelings, grow his independence and secure his future in the metal fabrication industry.

Throughout high school, Mathew found that volunteering was one way he could challenge himself to be a leader. He would help find solutions and offer a sense of community and friendship when others were in need. He assisted young cadets and scouts through orientation, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and contributed to his school’s social justice league program, all while working part-time to support his future post-secondary goals.

Applying his skills in math and detailed, hands-on work, Mathew is working to become a certified welder and pipe-fitter through one-on-one training at LJP Skills Training Welding School in Guelph.