COPA is Now Reviewing Applications for the 2010-2011 Academic Year

Winners will be announced in mid-August 2010.

As we mark the 25th anniversary of the COPA Scholarship Fund in 2010, we will be awarding 13 scholarships totalling $14,500:

• One (1) scholarship in the amount of $2,500, the largest first place prize ever awarded by COPA, and
• Twelve (12) scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each

Scholarships are only available to COPA members. Please login to the COPA Web site to access the online application form.

Thank you to our donors
Meet the 2009 COPA Scholarship Fund recipients

Questions?

Contact Sam Moncada at 905-624-9462 ext. 228.

Thank You to Our Donors

COPA is thankful to all our members who contribute to the COPA Scholarship Fund by attending or supporting events, such as the Annual Golf Tournament and COPA Stars Gala & Silent Auction. All fundraising activities at these events, including Silent Auction donations, go directly to the Scholarship Fund and has enabled the Association to increase the value of scholarships since 2008. We are also thankful to member companies who have provided cash donations to help fund the scholarships.

Special thanks to Mr. Doug Chapman, a past president of COPA and a former CEO of Acco World Corporation, whose contributions has made possible the development of a perpetual revenue base that ensures the COPA Scholarship Fund is continued.

In February 2008, the Board made a decision to extend applications to include qualified second year students, in addition to first year students. The Board also directed fundraising from both the COPA Golf Tournament and the Awards Gala Silent Auction to the COPA Scholarship Fund in order to increase the number of scholarships awarded in subsequent years.

2009 COPA Scholarship Fund Recipients

(Note: As these are in the students' own words, they have not been translated from English to French or vice-versa.)

My name is Menna Ataya, a second year student at Saint Mary's University completing a Bachelor of Science. Upon completing my bachelor, I will attend Dalhousie University to pursue a pharmaceutical degree. The pharmacy profession is based on significant research to improve the health system; I'm planning to also get into research involving finding new ways to cure cancer. My long-term goal is to eventually travel to third world countries to provide medical care to those who are less fortunate. I'm currently working at Lyreco Burnside part time as well as two other part time jobs to help pay for my tuition. I believe with my positive attitude it is possible to handle all three jobs, it gives me a sense of leadership and self-confidence. Through working I gained great organizational and time management skills. I love working with others, which makes me an enthusiastic team player. Helping others is so rewarding, that's why during the summers I volunteer at the IWK children's hospital. Volunteering gives me a great sense of pride - it gives me great pleasure to know I'm putting a smile on someone else's face. Generosity is an amazing attribute; I'm proud for helping others and thanks to your generosity I'm motivated to always be involved in my community. Thank you, - Menna Ataya

Alana Blake is a 2009 graduate of Walnut Grove Secondary School in Langley, BC, where she received numerous academic awards and recognition for her dedication, hard work, and discipline. In September, she will be attending the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, BC, with plans to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Mathematics and English. Upon completion of her degree, she hopes to be accepted into the Teacher Education Program so she can pursue her dream of becoming a secondary school math teacher. For the past two years, Alana has been a member of the Copy and Print Centre team at the Langley Staples Business Depot, a position she intends to maintain during her studies. Her hobbies include playing the piano and travel. Alana wishes to thank COPA and its members for this generous award.

Since middle school, I wanted to work in a field relating to Molecular Biology/Biotechnology. For this reason, while choosing my High School, I elected to attend one of the very few schools in Toronto that offers a biotechnology program. The classes and programs present at my school helped me confirm that I was truly passionate about the field, and allowed me to get valuable research experience. In addition to biology, I have a strong interest in chemistry, and recently was invited to the Ontario regional chemistry Olympiad final. I also enjoy computer science, I have participated in many competitions, both representing my school, and personally, and enjoy the activity immensely. This year, as well as the last, I have spearheaded the Northern Secondary School Programming Club; a meeting place for my school's most talented programmers. This year, the computer science teachers loaned computers and a room for the club's use. I, along with my friends would often be found in that room, experimenting with various computer set-ups, different operating systems, or just socializing. Next year, I shall be attending the University of Toronto, studying Life Science. This marks the beginning of quest to go into research. After I graduate from the University of Toronto, I intend to continue my education, working towards my Ph.D., or concurrently towards my M.D. and my Ph.D. Eventually, I hope to go into medical research, and help arm the next generation of doctors with the weapons they need to defend us against nature's onslaught. - Anton Dobrin

Ajay Kochhar is a student at University of Toronto [entering first year] and is currently studying Chemical Engineering. He intends to specialize in Bioengineering as part of his undergraduate work, and eventually wishes to pursue medical school. Ajay wishes to combine an analytical background in engineering with medicine to eventually practice as a paediatrician. Apart from academics, he is an avid classical guitarist who greatly enjoys playing at concerts and charity events. As a founding member of the Oakville Guitar Quartet, he has also had the privilege of playing at the Glenn Gould Studio and with the Oakville and Etobicoke Symphony Orchestras. Ajay is an active volunteer with Rotary International both at a club and university level. At a High School level Ajay played a vital role as president of the Interact club, the high school division of Rotary. Ajay finished high school as the elected Valedictorian for his graduating class and graduated with honours. He wants to make use of a medical background to eventually volunteer in health related initiatives, such as polio vaccinations, through Rotary International as well. During the summer months Ajay has enjoyed working as a Customer Service Representative and IT Analyst with Ashlin B.P.G. Marketing. The experience he has gained at Ashlin also includes being a sales representative at various fall trade shows. In his spare time he likes to play and umpire baseball, provide tutoring to high school students, and participate in charity runs.

Je me nomme Danica LeBreton. J'ai 18 ans et je suis originaire de Néguac, un petit village de la Péninsule acadienne, située au nord-est du Nouveau-Brunswick. Présentement, je fréquente l'Université de Moncton, campus de Moncton. Je suis inscrite en D.S.S. (diplôme en science de la santé) dans le but d'être acceptée à la faculté de médecine de l'Université de Sherbrooke l'année prochaine. Par la suite, j'aimerais poursuivre mes études afin de devenir pédiatre ou obstétricienne. Je suis une personne très ambitieuse et déterminée. J'aime beaucoup aider les autres et travailler en équipe. De plus, je suis une personne très curieuse qui adore faire de nouvelles découvertes. Lorsque j'ai un peu de temps pour le loisir, j'aime bien lire ou faire de l'activité physique. Pendant longtemps, ma plus grande passion a été le judo et je continue à en faire à l'occasion.

My name is Krista Olaires and I am a 2nd year student at Simon Fraser University. I am currently in the Faculty of Business Administration with a 4.04 CGPA. I have yet to declare my major but I am looking towards concentrating in Human Resource Management. My future educational goal is to receive a Master's degree in Business Administration. To balance with my academic studies, I like to volunteer my time at various events either at school or in the community. Having previously volunteered at some school functions, I am eager to find more opportunities to get involved in the SFU community in addition to joining one of their great business clubs. Outside of school, some of my interests include singing, listening to music, and playing basketball and volleyball.

My name is Lauren Serafini. I am a dedicated and hardworking student who strives to achieve the best in my academics. In high school I was on the honor roll for all four years and in my final year, I was able to achieve an average of 91.5%. I especially enjoy chemistry, biology and math. During high school I was on the swim team, the volleyball team and I also was a member of the Student Athletic Council where I helped to organize school athletic activities including pep rallies to raise school spirit. For the past two years I have been working at the YMCA of Oakville as a lifeguard and a swim instructor. I love teaching children of all ages to swim and take pride in contributing to the safety of the pool. In addition, I have logged many hours of tutoring for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Halton in a volunteer position and I also tutor privately. In the fall, I plan to attend the University of Western Ontario. I will work toward obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition. I am hopeful that it will lead toward a dietetic internship and that I can become a Registered Dietician. I am excited to start my university experience and would like to say thank you to the COPA Scholarship Foundation!

Emma recently graduated with honours from Iroquois Ridge High School in Oakville, Ontario. Throughout her high school career, Emma participated in a variety of clubs and committees. She held the co-chair position of her school's Health and Wellness Council and organized the 2009 Relay For Life event for her school and community. For several years, Emma has also volunteered her time to the Children's Aid Society and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Additionally, Emma volunteers at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and has contributed over 250 hours to date. In her free time, Emma enjoys sewing, reading and dancing competitively. Since the age of four, Emma has trained in tap, jazz, lyrical and ballet. In the fall, Emma will be attending her first year at The University of Western Ontario. Her course of study will be an honours specialization in Health Sciences with a minor in Biology. After completing her undergraduate degree, she hopes to attend medical school to pursue a career in paediatric medicine or neonatology. Emma would like to thank all members of The Canadian Office Products Association for their generous support that has made this scholarship possible.

David Veitch is a second year Commerce student at Queen's University. David has a strong interest in finance and math, and plans on pursuing a career in corporate finance or asset management. David is a strong team player and aims to contribute to the people he works with by remaining humble and taking on leadership roles when necessary. David is never one to back down from a challenge, and enjoys competition. David is very passionate about volunteering, and does so during the summer at Ontario Pioneer Camp, a evangelical Christian camp in Muskoka. In his spare time, he likes to go out for sushi, read The Economist, and play basketball.

My name is Christopher Woo. I will study my first year Mechatronics Engineering at Waterloo University this fall. I would like to challenge myself to critical thinking and innovative applications in real life, striving for excellence every time. The University provides me the opportunity to learn and achieve goals to the best of my abilities. I can learn from hand on experience in the Co-Op Engineering program. Recently, I received the Headmaster's Award for Academic Excellence from Holy Trinity School, which was based on my high academic average of 92 marks [per cent] in Grade 12. Also, I was the Subject Award Recipients in Physics, Data Management, Calculus and Vectors. I obtained top marks in these academic subjects in Years 2008 and 2009. I represented my High School in multiple science events. Proudly, I received the Silver Medalist from the York Region Science-Technology Fair and the Third Place Contestants from the London's District Science Olympics Competitions for Robotics and Chemistry. To gain work experience, I worked as a part-time Technology Sales Associates at Staples from August of Year 2007 to December of Year 2008, with excellent knowledge about electronic equipment and great customer service. I assisted customers in shopping computers and other electronic items. I am a well-rounded student. I have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement. I have made a positive contribution to my high school through involvement in extra-curricular activities. I am delighted being a recipient of the COPA Scholarship Winner in Year 2009. It provides me the financial support and allows me to pursue my education at Waterloo University.