Northern Birch Scholarships

Alastair is a fourth-year History and Biology student at the University of British Columbia, where he is a Presidential and Dean’s Scholar. Deeply connected to the Latvian community, he has performed as a soloist at various Latvian community events both at home and abroad, including The Latvian Song Festival, churches, Senior’s home celebrations, and more. Alastair also teaches Latvian pronunciation and musical analysis with the Vancouver Youth Choir and recently presented research on the Chronicle of Henry of Livonia.

Cassandra is a second-year student in the Event Planning program at Centennial College. Raised in a culturally rich Estonian-Finnish household, she has been actively involved in Estonian camps, girl guides, and community traditions throughout her life. This past year, she volunteered as a trainer at the Estonian Volleyball Camp (Kalev Võrkpalli Laager), where she has participated since childhood.

Imbi is in her second year of the Cosmetics Management program at Humber Polytechnic. A lifelong member of the Estonian Girl Guides, she now serves as a leader for the Hellakeste troop. Her summers have been spent at the Estonian camp, Jõekääru, as a camper, counsellor, and lifeguard. As a child she danced in the Kungla dance group and was also a gymnast with Ritmika Rhythmic Gymnastics Club for over 10 years. She is also an honours graduate of the Toronto Estonian School and an active member of the academic sorority, Amicitia.

Marc-André is a third-year Sport Media student at Toronto Metropolitan University. Active in the Estonian community since childhood, he attended and later taught at the Lasteaed kindergarten and graduated from Toronto Estonian School. Marc-Andre has spent over a decade with the Estonian Scouts and volunteers each summer as a scout leader (skaut juht) at Kotkajärve. He has also spent summers as both a camper and counsellor at the Estonian camp, Jõekääru.

Jaak is in his first year at Universidad Europea in Madrid, studying Physical Activity and Sports Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine. With strong Estonian family roots, he has been engaged in the Toronto Estonian community his entire life through Estonian Scouts, Estonian School, and lifeguarding roles at Kotkajärve and Jõekääru camps. In his spare time, Jaak enjoys diving, soccer and volleyball and holds a black belt in Taekwondo.

Annely is in her second year of Psychology at Brock University. She has long considered the Estonian community her “second family,” growing up attending Estonian School, Girl Guides, and visiting Kotkajärve. More recently, she has volunteered with the Niagara Humane Society, supporting the care and adoption of stray cats.

Nicholas is in his third year of a Bachelor of Music at Western University and is also completing a Certificate in Purpose-Driven Leadership at Ivey Business School. He first discovered Latvian culture through children’s literature and today expresses that connection through his work as a professional opera singer. Through music, he has gained a deep appreciation for Latvian identity and cultural resilience.

Alexus is a second-year Baking and Pastry Arts Management student at George Brown College. For the past three years, she has assisted with food preparation, service, and event support at Estonian and Latvian community functions. In 2023, she travelled through Estonia and Sweden with her late grandfather, learning about her family’s history and the traditions of their native Kihnu Island.

Ethan is a fourth-year Industrial Design student at OCAD University. With Estonian heritage through his mother, his community involvement began early at Toronto Estonian School and Seedrioru summer camp. A recent trip to Estonia with his family allowed him to deepen his connection to the country and explore his family’s history.

Rosemarie is in her first year of the Hairstyling program at Niagara College. She has been active in the Toronto Estonian community her entire life through Estonian School, Girl Guides, and leadership roles at Kotkajärve and Jõekääru summer camps. When she isn’t in school, Rosemarie enjoys writing and journaling, and spends quality time with friends and family.