Meet our 2024 scholarship recipients
The Ontario College of Teachers Scholarship Program awards four $1,500 scholarships to exemplary students enrolled in a teacher education program in Ontario.
This direct financial assistance helps future teachers who have demonstrated courage, perseverance and excellence, while being dedicated to the highest standards of teaching.
The following recipients were selected to receive this year’s awards:
Elora Passafiume, OCT, Prachi Tanwar, OCT, Sarah Kaye and Lucas Aragao, OCT
Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education
Elora Passafiume, OCT – Trent University
Elora is a dynamic and dedicated scholar whose commitment to education and public service is deeply rooted in her upbringing on a family farm. The values of perseverance and hard work learned during her childhood have driven her to excel in her journey toward becoming an educator. Over the past decade, she has demonstrated her dedication to student learning by starting a private tutoring business and further refining her skills through a certificate program focused on supporting students with diverse needs.
Elora’s academic achievements include being the first undergraduate student to be accepted in Trent University’s accelerated Master’s program and having her work published in Harvard’s undergraduate journal. She also maintains a strong commitment to community service and has been actively involved with organizations such as March of Dimes Canada and Skate Canada, while also mentoring students at both the elementary and secondary levels. Her passion for volunteerism underscores her genuine desire to make a positive impact, particularly on young people.
Educators who have worked with Elora consistently praise her diligence, kindness, and sincere dedication to public service. With a bright future ahead, she is poised to create supportive and empowering environments where students can thrive under her guidance.
Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship
Prachi Tanwar, OCT – Lakehead University (Orillia Campus)
Prachi is a standout scholar who exemplifies the highest standards in teaching. Her dedication to student learning and equitable access to education is clearly demonstrated through her work tutoring underserved children in India, where she designed differentiated lessons to address each child's unique needs. This commitment continued when she moved to Canada, where she worked on a remote Indigenous reserve during the pandemic. Undeterred by limited resources and challenging internet access, Prachi ensured uninterrupted instruction by delivering materials to homes and managing resource hubs, showing her dedication to supporting students' learning journeys.
Her commitment to enhancing her professional knowledge has informed her teaching practice. Through research, she learned to tailor her approach to honour Indigenous cultures through land-based learning methods. Her devotion to fostering supportive and inclusive learning environments is evident in all her endeavours, from volunteer work to academic achievements.
An associate teacher praises her as a resilient and passionate educator whose ‘dedication to her students’ success make her a role model for aspiring teachers. Looking ahead, Prachi is poised to make lasting and impactful contributions to the field of education.’
Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship
Sarah Kaye – Queen’s University
Sarah has a deep understanding of the crucial role teachers play in supporting a diverse student body with varying needs. Her own experiences with compassionate and insightful educators inspire her to give back and support the next generation. Her commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity is evident in her art. Co-curator of Kingston’s first BIPOC Art Exhibition, titled Experiences of Family and hosted by the Window Art Gallery, Sarah has used her platform to showcase and amplify diverse voices and experiences.
Her dedication to equitable education goes beyond her artistic efforts. Sarah is actively involved in policy review and curriculum development, serving on both the City of Kingston’s Arts Advisory Committee and Queen's University’s Visual Arts Advisory Group for Program Development. Her compassion and kindness complement her talents, and an associate teacher highlights how “her broad perspective and engaging manner inspire students to thrive and stay motivated in their studies.”
Her community-focused approach, combined with her reflective nature regarding her roles as both a student and an emerging educator, is poised to define her professional practice and make a significant impact in the field of education.
Brian P. McGowan Scholarship for Resilience
Lucas Aragao, OCT - OISE
Lucas exemplifies resilience and determination in the face of significant challenges. New to Canada, and learning to communicate in a new language, Lucas found solace in soccer. Although his athleticism and soccer prowess caught the attention of Toronto FC team scouts, a devastating health diagnosis put an end to his dreams of becoming a professional soccer player. As Lucas and his family navigated his care following the removal of a brain tumour, they faced significant financial strain. Turning his adversity into purpose, he now dedicates his time to coaching with two soccer clubs and volunteering with cancer-related organizations, ensuring children have opportunities to grow and develop through sports.
Beyond the classroom, Lucas continues to inspire students with his enthusiasm and dedication, helping them achieve their full potential. An associate teacher praised Lucas for his warmth and positivity, noting, “…his smile is his most salient feature. His ability to earn the trust and respect of students through his engaging teaching methods and commitment to fairness has made him a beloved figure, highly respected by all students.” His resilience, professionalism, and nurturing approach make him a model example for students and educators alike.
