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What we are about
The Pay It Forward Scholarship was established to recognize and reward Ontario high-school students, applying to any accredited post secondary institution, who are making a positive impact in the world whether big or small.
The Pay It Forward Scholarship was established to recognize and reward Ontario high-school students, applying to any accredited post secondary institution, who are making a positive impact in the world whether big or small.
How it started
I attended a high school graduation ceremony and noticed that nearly every scholarship went to students with the highest grades or top athletic achievements. It struck me that the majority of students in the room were being overlooked. To me, marks aren’t the true measure of a great person. I’ve always said I’d be prouder to hear that my children are kind and friendly than that they earned the top mark. That’s where the idea for this scholarship began. Reward the good.
I attended a high school graduation ceremony and noticed that nearly every scholarship went to students with the highest grades or top athletic achievements. It struck me that the majority of students in the room were being overlooked. To me, marks aren’t the true measure of a great person. I’ve always said I’d be prouder to hear that my children are kind and friendly than that they earned the top mark. That’s where the idea for this scholarship began. Reward the good.
My wife was on board right away. Then I reached out to an old university friend and he was immediately interested. At that point, an idea became a project. The scholarship was launched.
My wife was on board right away. Then I reached out to an old university friend and he was immediately interested. At that point, an idea became a project. The scholarship was launched.
When the first applications came in, we were overwhelmed, not only by the sheer number (450 in our first year) but by the incredible quality of the applicants. These students were already making remarkable contributions to their communities at such a young age. We knew then that we had to grow. With the help of generous, like-minded donors, we expanded from offering one scholarship to two in that very first year.
When the first applications came in, we were overwhelmed, not only by the sheer number (450 in our first year) but by the incredible quality of the applicants. These students were already making remarkable contributions to their communities at such a young age. We knew then that we had to grow. With the help of generous, like-minded donors, we expanded from offering one scholarship to two in that very first year.
Now, the program continues to grow exponentially. Every time someone hears about this initiative, they want to be part of it.
Now, the program continues to grow exponentially. Every time someone hears about this initiative, they want to be part of it.
My kids often tease me for using old sayings, but one of my favorites is, “Build a longer table, not a taller fence.” It perfectly captures what this scholarship stands for, creating more seats at the table for those who care about others.
My kids often tease me for using old sayings, but one of my favorites is, “Build a longer table, not a taller fence.” It perfectly captures what this scholarship stands for, creating more seats at the table for those who care about others.
Help one, and hopefully inspire many.
Help one, and hopefully inspire many.
With gratitude,
With gratitude,
Regan
Regan
Chairman
Chairman
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