Kiwanis honours student leaders

From left: Sheila Moore, secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant; scholarship recipient Trudeau Gulati; scholarship recipient Sherin Dedo; and club president Tim Risebrough at the Aug. 11 meeting, where the Paul Thomson Service Scholarships were presented. Each student received $1,000 in recognition of their community service, leadership and volunteerism. (Casandra Turnbull Photo)

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Two Paris high school students have been recognized for their exceptional commitment to service, leadership and community involvement, as the Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant, in partnership with the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada, presented its second annual Service Scholarship. It was rebranded the Paul Thomson Service Scholarship this year after his passing.

During the club’s monthly meeting on Aug. 11, Secretary Sheila Moore introduced recipients Sherin Dedo and Trudeau Gulati. Each received a $1,000 cheque and a certificate from club president Tim Risebrough.

Named in honour of Paul Thomson, a founding member known for his lifelong community spirit, the award recognizes students who demonstrate volunteerism beyond 40 hours, respect for others, leadership skills, teamwork and participation in extracurricular activities.

“You’ll notice there was nothing in there for academics and never will the criteria for our scholarships be driven by academics,” said Moore. “This is a service scholarship. What we find is that the young people who qualify for all these other things get the high marks anyway.”

Sherin Dedo: Inspiring inclusion through leadership

Sherin’s journey began in Syria, where her family fled conflict when she was seven years old. They became refugees in Jordan before eventually resettling in Canada, where she faced the challenges of learning a new language and adapting to unfamiliar traditions.

At high school, she founded the Muslim Student Association and co-hosted a food and culture fashion show with the Sikh Student Association, helping create a more inclusive school environment. She balanced these efforts with a part-time job and extensive volunteer work, all while maintaining honour roll standing.

“When I first found out that I was chosen as a recipient, I felt excited, relieved and very grateful,” Sherin said. “Receiving this scholarship has boosted my motivation to do even better at university.”

She will attend Brock University this fall to study Concurrent BA/BEd – Child and Youth Studies.

The Paris District High School staff member who submitted Sherin’s reference for the scholarship had to saying the following, “I can go on and on about Sherin’s long list of academic accomplishments, projects and Community school involvement. But what I would really like to talk about is her character. Sherin’s magnetic and welcoming personality, her quick wit and deep insight and intellect and intuition allow her to connect with people of all walks of life. 

Sherin’s accomplishments are truly incredible but it’s because of who she is that I am most excited to bear witness to her journey. I know she will be a force for positive change no matter where her path takes her.”

Trudeau Gulati: Leading with vision and action

Trudeau’s high school years were marked by a passion for servant leadership. He was involved in the Caring Student program, was an integral part of an anti-bullying campaign, served as student council prime minister, and revived the school yearbook after more than a decade. He also created the school’s first online newspaper, played competitive sports and worked part-time in local restaurants.

“Being chosen as a recipient of the Kiwanis scholarship is incredibly rewarding,” he said. “I know from my own involvement with the organization the good they do in the community.”

This fall, Trudeau will study at the University of Toronto and take part in the Munk One program, collaborating with 25 students from around the world on initiatives to make a positive community impact.

The individual that nominated Gulati and served as a reference shared the following about the young man, “Trudeau entered high school having already earned his Grade 9 and 10 math credits and was placed in a Grade 11 university level math course. He has consistently achieved marks in the 90s, has a deep interest in government and how it works and has a strong desire to make a positive impact in the world.”

Small club, big impact

Risebrough said the scholarship embodies the club’s commitment to fostering service-minded young leaders in the community.

“We decided as a club that, for Paul’s profound community spirit throughout his whole life, we could do something to honour him,” Risebrough said. “I was thinking as the awards were being presented, how much Paul would have loved to see the two of you up here.”

Thomson was not only a valued founding member of the Paris-Brant club, he was also instrumental in bringing new programs to Kiwanis Canada. 

The Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant presented the scholarships with support from community fundraising campaigns, donations and the efforts of club volunteers. The Kiwanis Foundation of Canada matched their contribution.