Samantha Grohal pursues Bakery and Pastry Program
Sam Grohal’s knowledge of baking came from her Oma, with whom she spent countless hours in the kitchen. “She planted the roots for my love of baking, and her stories of baking with the few ingredients she could access as a child and visiting cafes and bakeries in Germany inspired my dream of owning a bakery of my own.”
During high school, Sam attended a 14-week course at Conestoga College (Waterloo) learning the basics of pastry making. She also completed her high school co-op placement at The Ten of Tarts, a bakery in Shelburne.
This September, Sam returned to Conestoga College as a student in their two-year Bakery and Pastry Arts Management program. This is a highly sought after course which includes a mix of patisserie training and management skills needed to operate a successful business.
Sam grew up near Glencairn. She graduated from Centre Dufferin District High School in June, 2025.
RAYS is pleased to support Sam with an award of $2000 a year for 2 years.
Marty Hewitt explores climate science research
Marty graduated from Collingwood Collegiate in 2022 and is enrolled in the Math and Physical Sciences program at University of Toronto’s Innis College. While climate science is a major focus of his efforts, he has enjoyed the diversity of course offerings at U of T including seminar course “Marco Polo’s World” which looked at art history through the lens of The Travels of Marco Polo.
He has received two research grants in the climate science field for summer internships. The first involved analysis of large computer models looking at long term changes in climate. The second was in physical oceanography using computer models to analyze the inner workings of ocean currents. He is currently completing applications for graduate school at U of T or in Europe to continue his climate science work.
While his academic experience has been stimulating, on reflection, he notes the importance of being involved in the university community and the unique environment it offers to broaden one’s perspective and education.
Makenna Halliday – Pursuing a degree in Mental Health and Addictions
Makenna Halliday grew up on a farm near Dunedin. She graduated from Stayner Collegiate in 2020.
Makenna began college, during Covid, at Canador College in North Bay. Due to the college’s lock down policy, Makenna was isolated in her residence learning on-line! She persevered and graduated two years later with a Social Services Worker Diploma. Following graduation, Makenna worked as a Youth Counselor at a local residential group home for teens. Makenna also took courses at Trent University.
In May 2024, Makenna began studies in the Mental Health and Addiction program at Seneca College. This program teaches therapeutic interventions designed to support individuals, families and communities with mental health and addiction issues. Makenna expects to graduate with a Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction in the spring of 2026.
RAYS is pleased to have provided financial support to Makenna throughout her educational journey. Her mentor has witnessed her initiative, academic success and commitment to others. We wish her all the best!
Ella McLean
In June, Ella McLean will graduate from Western University’s compressed timeframe (CTF) Bachelor of Science in nursing program. Ella made a shift to the nursing program at Western as she has always been interested in healthcare and, in Ella’s words, "I find joy in supporting and caring for others”. Upon graduation, Ella plans on working full-time as a registered nurse, hoping for a placement on a labour and delivery unit. Ella further commented that, “throughout my schooling, RAYS has provided me with an abundance of support, advice, and kindness. With every interaction, it becomes clearer that RAYS always prioritizes the success and happiness of their students. I am forever grateful for the time I spent as a RAYS scholar and cannot express how thankful I am for every opportunity presented to me”. Congratulations Ella!
Hannah Oakey
After four busy years of study, Hannah proudly graduates from the University of Guelph with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology this spring. This program has prepared her well for her next step—applying to Veterinary School to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Throughout Hannah’s time at university, she has enjoyed many aspects of her experience, but some of her favourites included courses in animal behaviour and wildlife rehabilitation, participating in student clubs, and working on campus. This summer Hannah continues her preparation for Veterinary School by working as a surgery assistant at a vet hospital in Guelph. Next year she will be doing a masters in the department of animal biosciences at the University of Guelph with Dr Wendy Pearson. Hannah will study joint inflammation in horses. Hannah’s long-term goal is still Vet school. She commented that, “none of this would have been possible without the generous financial sponsorship and the advice of my mentor. This support helped me overcome the financial barriers that could have stood between me and my education. I am incredibly grateful to RAYS for making this journey possible”. Congratulations Hannah!
Graydon Farness
After four years at Trent university, Graydon will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history with a specialization in Education. He has always been interested in history and enjoyed hearing about the history of locations across the world. Luckily, during his undergraduate degree he had the opportunity to sample many of the different histories across the world and see where his interest aligns for future master's degrees. After his final semester at Trent, he will commence his studies at the Faculty of Education at Queens University from May 2025 – August 2026. After that he will begin his career in the education field. Graydon commented that, “without the assistance of RAYS, I would have never been able to get as far as I have. Not only in the sense of financial support but also, due to the constant assistance through Mentorship and my understanding that I have a large group of people that all want to see me succeed. I always knew that RAYS would support me throughout any decisions I make during my time in school".
Tim Speyer
Tim Speyer is pictured at his ceremony to receive his Engineering Ring. He is hoping to graduate this semester in Aerospace engineering from Carleton University. Tim has enjoyed not only his speciality courses in systems, structures and vehicle design but his opportunity in a cooperative education program which he extended past one semester to deepen his experiences. In June he will receive is Bachelor of Engineering in the exact program he chose in 2019. Tim remarked that, "I have had the same goal from the beginning and I’m happy to say that without the support of RAYS there might not have been a beginning”. Post graduation he is hopeful to continue working at his place of employment last summer- Bell Textron Canada- continuing in Airframe design or Project Engineering. Congratulations Tim!
Grace Millsap
Grace graduated from the agriculture program at the University of Guelph, Ridgetown. Grace is currently working at the Stayner branch of Huron Tractor. She joined the team at Huron Tractor after graduating from her program in 2022.Her position as Parts Counter Sales has her providing support to the technicians as they repair equipment. When she is not working, Grace volunteers at St. John's United Church, Creemore, and as a Director with the Collingwood Agricultural Society, Great Northern Exhibition. Grace is involved in Creemore sports, softball in the summer and broomball in the winter.
Josh Swift, RAYS 2015 Scholarship Recipient, is now a Policy Advisor
Formerly Special Assistant – Parliamentary Affairs and Policy, to Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Catherine McKenna, Josh has taken on a new role in Ottawa. As of October 2022 Josh is now Policy Advisor & Ontario Regional Affairs for the Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault. Josh was previously the Regional Advisor. Congratulations to Josh for his recent achievements.
Hailey Sacerty graduates from McMaster University's School of Nursing
Hailey Sacerty, RAYS Scholarship recipient 2018, recently graduated from McMaster University's School of Nursing program, and on May 1st, a day after writing her final exam, she spoke to a full house at RAYS Annual General Meeting about her university experience during a pandemic. Here, in her own words, Hailey reflects on her final year:
"The past 4 years have been such a rewarding and eye opening experience and I am so thankful for RAYS for helping to provide me with this opportunity. The nursing profession drastically changed in 2020 when I was about to start really ramping up the clinical hours … at this time the world was shutting down, I had no job and no class, and I randomly decided to enrol in a full psychology course load for the summer as it was something I've always been interested in but never really had the time for. Through the summer I had 16 hours a week of lectures, plus readings and study time. This was definitely not planned and wouldn’t have happened without the pandemic, but I am glad I made the decision to enrol in all these extra courses because it turns out that I can practice psychotherapy as a registered nurse (who knew?)...so it could actually be valuable to my career...I had to become more adaptable and comfortable with the unknown during my time in university through a pandemic. There was no guarantee we could stay in the hospital, no guarantee I'd get all my clinical hours, and things were changing literally by the hour every day. It was almost impossible to keep up. I spent my fall semester of my final year in the PACU, or the recovery room at the children’s hospital. It was a wonderful environment. Fast forward to my final semester, I found myself on a medicine floor at the biggest hospital in the city…. And not only that, but I was in the “new makeshift ICU overflow” with all the very sick COVID patients. I think that was honestly my favourite part of my final year. I participated in many research studies by administering new treatments and medications to these patients who might not even survive, but I got to see many of them bounce back and recover. I also participated in caring for a patient with VITT, otherwise known as a disorder that causes blood clots from one specific COVID vaccine… he has many studies published on him. Unfortunately as the semester went on the staffing got worse and worse...nurses were left with very unsafe patient loads and afraid to come to work. It was terrifying to witness, especially knowing I was beginning this career when the field was in such a vulnerable state. This is when I realized that I needed to rethink my plan for after graduation. Initially, I wanted to work in the Pediatric ICU, but after seeing how the wards and units were functioning, I realized that it would not be the environment for me and it would be better to revisit that plan down the road. I’m thankful for my clinical experiences, because it allowed me to find a safe and comfortable place where I enjoy working and have the support of many amazing doctors and anesthesiologists in emergencies. I now work in the Pediatric recovery room where I am able to dip my toes into critical care and am working towards my critical care certification so I can revisit the Pediatric ICU later down the road. When university life changed, I relied on a lot of self-discipline. I'm glad I was able to persevere and I think in the end it will have a positive effect on my career." (Speech was condensed for length)
Amy to intern remotely this summer as a Summit Executive for One Young World, a leadership organization in the UK
Amy Hinchey, RAYS Scholar 2018, is currently enrolled at Carleton University in Global and International Studies. She was recently elected President of her Students' Society, and is continuing her work as Director of Communications with an organization on campus she helped start, Kroeger Policy Review. Upon completion of her virtual summer internship she will prepare to take the LSAT before resuming her studies in Fall 2021. “RAYS has made a huge impact on my university career, opening countless doors for me with their network, mentorship, and financial supports. Most students understand the stress that comes along with figuring out how to fund their post-secondary education, and having some of that removed thanks to the RAYS Scholarship has allowed me to focus my energies into being more involved with campus life and my community! Over the last three years I’ve had the opportunity to get involved with my Students Society, intern with our local Member of Parliament, and most recently help found a new student-run policy review publication on campus. Without my RAYS funding, my time spend on these initiatives would have instead been focused on working longer hours to save up more money. I’ll always be grateful to RAYS for providing me with that financial assistance, as well as a network of incredible youth and experienced mentors to assist me in my academic journey.”
Rosalyn Martin to attend law school September 2022
Rosalyn Martin, RAYS Scholarship Recipient 2017 and Queen's University graduate, recently shared with us her good news:
"I’m going to be a lawyer!!!!"
Very, very excited to share that I will be starting law school at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law this September!
I attribute my passion for implementing progressive and sustainable change in the legal system to my experiences on the front line at Elizabeth Fry. I hope to dedicate my career to criminal defence, working with criminalized people in a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and pro-community capacity.
I’m excited to continue decriminalization work in a different capacity and my newest adventure: a progressive legal education."
Abby cheers RAYS support for both education and networking
Abby Ruppert, who graduated in 2020 with a degree in Kinesiology from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, expresses her appreciation for the support she has received from RAYS, “I am so incredibly thankful to RAYS and all of the people who both directly and indirectly have supported, helped, encouraged, and pushed me to where I stand today. To the board members, the sponsors, our mentors, the selection committee, and so many others, you have provided both me and the other students with both education and networking opportunities that may not have been possible without your help!” Abby looks forward to remaining a part of the RAYS community in service of future scholarship recipients as they pursue their post-secondary education.
Allison aims to return to Clearview and give back to the amazing community
Allison McLeod, who is in Business studies at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, tells of her transition to college life and her appreciation for the support she has received from RAYS as part of that process, reporting that “My year has been going extremely well so far but of course it comes with some ups and downs, second tries and lots of adjustments. Overall, I am enjoying my first year back at school and am very grateful for all the help and support I have received from everyone at RAYS. I would love to come back to the Clearview area after finishing school and be able to give back to our amazing community.”
Ryan thrives in his program at Fleming College
Ryan Gillis spent his summers working at Camp Maple Leaf where he developed a passion for helping youth with unique challenges. He’s another RAYS recipient and is in a three-year program to become a Child and Youth Care Worker. “I am loving the program. It’s everything I wanted it to be. I’m surrounded by people with similar values and beliefs in wanting to work with youth at risk or with special needs. It’s all established on working on the youth’s strength and by focusing on what they are doing right can develop and improve their situation,” said Gillis.
Hannah in Fish and Wildlife program counts on RAYS support system
Hannah Stockford, studying at Fleming College, reports, “I’ve always had a natural curiosity for the natural world, but it wasn’t until Grade 9 that I realized I could turn this curiosity into a career. I’ve done a lot of volunteer work with Long Point Bird Observatory doing bird banding. It was there, specifically during the young ornithologist workshop I did in 2017, I realized that I loved educating people about the natural world around them. College can be expensive, so a bursary from RAYS provided some peace of mind going into my first and second years. Additionally, RAYS provided me with a support system that I can count on every step of the way. It’s reassuring to know that there is a community of people that have my back when things get tough.”
Joe graduates as Class Valedictorian 2021
Joe Sammon, RAYS 2017, recently completed his fourth and final year at Acadia University in the Kinesiology program and was selected as the class valedictorian. Joe was also awarded the AKS Community Initiative Award for his academic excellence and contribution to the Acadia community through his leadership, coaching and volunteer work. While he is sad to end his studies, he is excited to begin his next chapter. After a summer of tree planting in BC, Joe plans on taking next year to shadow both a chiropractor and physiotherapist as those are the two professions he's currently deciding between. "I am thrilled to see what comes next! I want to say thank you for all the support you have given me over the years! Without RAYS, I would not have been able to pursue the things that I have and achieve what I have achieved! From the bottom of my heart, thank you."