Celebrating our 2026 YAA Scholarship Recipients

Meet our 2026 Youth Achievement Awards Scholarship Recipients!

 

These eleven youth were selected as scholarship recipients for their resilience, hard work, involvement in their community, and determination. They represent the bright future of Calgary’s young people. We are so honoured to share their story and be a part of their journy. We can’t wait to see what they achieve in their futures! Congratulations!!

 

Adonis Shojaei – Robert Thirsk

Scholarship Sponsored by: The Immigrant Education Society

I moved from Iran to Canada in 2022 to begin a new chapter with my mother. Adjusting to a new country and language was challenging, but it pushed me to become more confident, resilient, and open to new experiences. Through CBFY, volunteering, student leadership, and mentoring other newcomers, I have found meaningful ways to support my community. I plan to study Psychology at the University of Calgary and pursue a career in medicine. I also hope to create a nonprofit focused on women’s rights and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

“Helping others has truly helped me grow into a more thoughtful and caring individual. My journey has taught me to think beyond my own wants and offer my help in any way I can to the people around me.”

 

 

Assita Sylla – Chinook Learning

Scholarship Sponsored by: Geonhwie Park and Hankookbody Incorporation

Moving to Canada has been one of the biggest changes in my life. Since joining CBFY in 2023, I have grown in confidence, communication, and leadership through the Mentorship Program and as a peer mentor. Having experienced difficult circumstances growing up, I want to use my education to support and care for others. My goal is to become a nurse and give back to my community. I am proud of how far I have come and look forward to continuing my education, supporting others, and building a future where I can make a positive difference.

“Being a peer mentor taught me that I can make a difference in someone else’s experience, even through small actions. Sometimes, simply listening, encouraging someone, or sharing something I have learned can help another student feel less alone.”

 

Delina Micheal – Bishop McNally

Scholarship Sponsored by: Daewon Park and Hankookbody Incorporation

My journey began in a refugee camp in Uganda. Moving between eight different schools and learning new languages taught me to adapt, conquer, and thrive. After arriving in Calgary, CBFY helped me navigate the Canadian education system and find a community where I could grow. I now give back through volunteering with the Calgary Food Bank, supporting patients at the Peter Lougheed Centre, tutoring immigrant youth, and participating in CBFY programs. I am currently upgrading my courses with the goal of pursuing a Bachelor of Science and eventually attending medical school to become a physician.

“Adapt. Conquer. Thrive. It wasn’t just a phrase for me; it became the ultimate truth of my academic and social survival.”

 

Ela Enver – North Trail

Scholarship Sponsored by: The Ark Foundation

I was born in Afghanistan before moving to Turkey with my family in search of educational opportunities. In 2023, we moved to Canada, where I worked hard to learn English and become more independent while supporting my family. CBFY helped me navigate life in Calgary, plan my education, and discover meaningful volunteer opportunities. Through volunteering with seniors and participating in community events, I have grown in confidence and developed a deeper desire to help others. I am now pursuing a path toward nursing, with the goal of caring for people and giving back to the community that supported my family.

“The most important thing I have learned is that we should never give up. No matter what challenges I have faced, I will continue to work hard, stay hopeful, and make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

 

 

Freselam Huruy – Bishop McNally

Scholarship Sponsored by: John & Hazel Gough

I was born in Saudi Arabia to Eritrean parents. Growing up across Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and Canada taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of education. Inspired by my father’s love of learning, I have studied several languages and developed a passion for helping others. After moving to Canada in 2025, CBFY gave me a supportive community where I could grow and become a peer mentor to other newcomer youth. I also volunteer at a hospital and tutor students. I am pursuing nursing with the long-term goal of becoming a medical doctor and contributing to healthcare through both service and research.

“Coming this far in life has taught me that there’s always a way and to never take no for an answer. Being a refugee has never stopped me from progressing, learning, serving my community, and pursuing my goals.”

 

 

Heldana Belay – Lester B. Pearson

Scholarship Sponsored by: Hamilton & Partners

I came to Canada from Eritrea in 2025 at the age of 18. Starting high school in a new country while developing my English was challenging, but CBFY helped me build confidence, improve my communication skills, and feel connected to my community. Through volunteering and participating in school and community activities, I have learned the importance of helping others and trying new things. I am now continuing my education and working toward my goal of becoming a general dentist. I hope to build a career where I can help people and give back to my community.

“Today, I am more confident in communicating, asking questions, trying new things, helping others, and planning for my future. My journey is still beginning, but I am proud of how far I have come.”

 

 

Gregory Lebediuk – Centennial

Scholarship Sponsored by: WOW Holdings

I was born and raised in Ukraine before moving to Canada. Adapting to new countries, languages, and cultures has taught me resilience, flexibility, and the importance of inclusion. CBFY helped me feel welcomed in Canada, build confidence, and connect with other students. I now give back by volunteering as a math tutor with YMCA Calgary and supporting younger students. Previously, I was involved in student leadership in Ukraine, including founding a student-led organization connecting youth from different schools. This fall, I will begin a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance at SAIT, with the goal of building a career while continuing to create opportunities for others.

“Leadership isn’t about holding a title; it’s about making a positive impact on the people around you. I hope to continue supporting others and helping build stronger communities.”

 

 

Jazba Khan – Forest Lawn

Scholarship Sponsored by: Dr. John Wu

My family moved to Canada from Malaysia in 2024 after years of living as refugees. Starting over brought new challenges, but CBFY helped me build confidence, improve academically, and feel a sense of belonging. Through mentorship, tutoring, and volunteering, I learned that asking for support is a strength and that small acts of kindness can make others feel less alone. I graduated from high school and now work part-time while preparing for post-secondary education. I am interested in sociology, law, advocacy, and community support, with the goal of helping people who feel overlooked or lost in difficult systems.

“One of the biggest things I learned from CBFY is that being strong does not always mean dealing with everything alone. Sometimes strength means asking for help, showing up for your community, and supporting someone else when they need it.”

 

 

Jesiah Dominick Godoy – All Saints

Scholarship Sponsored by: CBFY Board of Directors

My family moved to Canada from the Philippines in 2024. Arriving without a community of my own, CBFY’s summer camp helped me find friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging. I later joined the Youth Advisory Council and became a peer mentor, helping other newcomer youth navigate their own journeys. Through CBFY, Youth Central, and YMAP Advocates, I have also developed my leadership skills and become more involved in my community. My family is now moving to Manitoba, where I plan to pursue Pre-Health Sciences and eventually Practical Nursing. I hope to build a career caring for and supporting others.

“My journey has never been one straight road. Every turn, every setback, and every person I met along the way helped shape the person I am today. It is the road that made me.”

 

 

Shreeya Vadlamannati – Western Canada

Scholarship Sponsored by: Han Corea

I moved to Canada from India in 2024. Leaving behind my family, friends, and familiar life was challenging, and initially I struggled to feel like I belonged. Through CBFY’s Power of Voice Competition, I found the confidence to share my story and embrace my identity as a newcomer. Since then, I have volunteered with organizations including Youth Central, Bethany Care Society, the Women in Need Society, the Public Library, and the Salvation Army, supporting children, seniors, and community members. I am now pursuing a mathematics degree at the University of Waterloo and hope to develop solutions that help others.

“Community is not only about receiving support; it is also about becoming someone who provides support. I want to give back the same way my community supported me when I needed it most.”

 

Syeda Maryam Fatima Zaidi – Golden Hills Learning

Scholarship Sponsored by: Flourishing Workplace & AXE IT Consulting Inc

I moved to Canada from India at the age of 14. Adjusting to a new education system while supporting my family taught me the importance of persistence, discipline, and asking for help. Through extra study, tutoring, and support from my teachers and friends, I worked hard to strengthen my academics and build confidence. My passion for design has grown since Grade 10, and I recently challenged myself to develop a portfolio for interior design in just one month. I hope to pursue a career in architecture and create meaningful spaces through creativity and dedication.

“I realized that determination will help me overcome difficult challenges. Even when I don’t reach every desired outcome, I can be proud of the progress I make through hard work and dedication.”

 

Congratulations to our 2026 Youth Achievement Awards Scholarship Recipients! We are so proud of you!