The legacy of community builder Sister Kathleen Jackman was celebrated once again as students, families, educators, and community leaders gathered for the annual Sister Kathleen Jackman Memorial Scholarship Awards, an evening dedicated to academic excellence, leadership, service and perseverance.

For more than 25 years, the scholarship program has helped young people pursue higher education while carrying forward the values that defined Sister Kathleen’s life. Remembered for her compassion, faith and unwavering commitment to helping others, Sister Kathleen believed education was one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and strengthening communities. Her legacy continues through the many students who have benefited from the scholarship fund over the years.

Delivering the keynote address was York Regional Police Superintendent Kolin Alexander, who challenged recipients to recognize the sacrifices made by previous generations and to use their achievements in service of others.

Alexander shared his own journey, revealing that despite eventually rising to one of the highest leadership positions within York Regional Police, it took him 13 attempts before he was accepted as a police officer.

“Success is not determined by how many obstacles you encounter,” he told the audience. “Success is determined by your willingness to continue moving forward despite them.”

Reflecting on his immigrant mother’s struggles after arriving in Canada, Alexander reminded students that many Caribbean families endured hardship, discrimination and sacrifice to create opportunities for future generations.

The evening featured presentations from scholarship recipients whose stories reflected the spirit of the program.

Psychology student Laura Alexander-Lewis said Sister Kathleen’s example of compassion and service deeply resonated with her future career goals.

“Her qualities of kindness, empathy, perseverance and service are all qualities that I strive to develop within myself as I work toward making a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” she said. “This scholarship not only supports my education but reminds me of the responsibility to use that education to serve my community.”

Leadership award recipient Solomon West-Waldron, a nutrition and dietetics student at Western University, said the scholarship would help him focus on his studies as he works toward becoming a registered dietitian and sports nutritionist.

Arts scholarship recipient Daniela D’Souza reflected on the challenges of pursuing music while balancing academic expectations.

Among the most memorable reflections of the evening came from recipient Zaire Flash, who compared his success to the Congo River, which is strengthened by thousands of smaller tributaries.

“The accomplishments that I’ve earned are due to the communities that have poured into me,” he said. “I can pursue post-secondary education because a river named Sister Kathleen Jackman poured into so many people and, as a result, they have poured into this initiative.”

The message was clear: the scholarship is about far more than financial assistance. It is about empowering young people to dream bigger, inspiring them to achieve more, and encouraging them to uplift others along the way.

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