MAY 17, 2017

A Garden Party at John Polanyi Collegiate Institute (JPCI) / Lou Cooper Award given to JPCI student

This week, Rotary Toronto Eglinton (RTE) members were treated to a delightful garden party hosted by the Interact Club at John Polanyi Collegiate Institute (JPCI). Under a warm and sunny sky, RTE members and other guests were greeted by JPCI Interact club members wearing their YYZ tee shirts, one of the club's 2016-2017 projects designed to assist newcomers to Toronto. Background electrical guitar and drum music played by music students added to the ambiance. The event was also an opportunity for RTE members to meet the JPCI garden team, including partners from PACT and friends who support the garden operation. A delicious buffet lunch was provided by the PACT partners.
 
 
RTE Members enjoying lunch
 
Both Rahim Essabhai, Faculty advisor to the Interact club, and Principal, Aiman Flahat, welcomed guests and spoke to the 4 year partnership between RTE and the early days at the school. JPCI has the fastest growing school population in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).   The ongoing support through scholarships, hands on activities with the Interact club and mentorship by RTE has been greatly appreciated by the school community.
 
Faculty member, Nicole Marie Anthony, thanked RTE for the $2000 donation given to the school last fall which provided seed funding for an innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program.  She has been able to leverage this funding to acquire further grants and now has a state of the art program with lab equipment most secondary school students would not see until University.
 
 
 
Above:  Principal Aiman Flahat and Mike H
 
 
Left: Teacher Nicole Marie Anthony and Mike H
 
 
RTE member Mike H announced our newest Music scholarship in memory of long standing RTE member Lou Cooper. Lou's early love of music lead to a wonderful entrepreneurial venture in the music business for almost 30 years, while providing an opportunity to meet many like-minded people who shared his love of jazz. The award is given to a student who in the opinion of the music teachers has contributed most to bring joy to the student body through their musical talents.  Mike was pleased to present this year's award to a talented young drummer, Emmanuel Aigbukor, who is looking forward to continuing his studies in music.  Emmanuel, also known for his soccer skills, is awaiting final news as to where he will be next year.
 
RTE has a series of scholarships supporting students from JPCI, a school with a diverse population and many with limited means.  The Shirley Farlinger, Service Above Self Rotary Award, is awarded to a female student, continuing her studies, who has demonstrated leadership and awareness towards peace or women's issues and/or environment or nature conservancy.  The John MacLean scholarship is given to a top student in the Science/Mathematics registered to attend a university or college in a health science program. These two awards will be given out at Commencement in June.
 
 
Mike and Emmanuel
 
President David commented that RTE members are impressed with the leadership and innovative nature of students and staff at John Polanyi Collegiate.  The ongoing partnership with RTE, the school and the JPCI Interact club continues to be a win/win scenario.
 
After lunch and the presentation, RTE members were offered a tour of the school ending up in the library where JPCI is hosting the Anne Frank - History for Today exhibit.  This excellent exhibit on "Anne's" life is being shared with other TDSB students and will be open to the public on May 28th from 9-5.
 
Rotary Toronto Eglinton would like to thank staff and students from JPCI for their tremendous contributions and commitment to "community", as well as for the opportunity to spend time with them over a delicious lunch.
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