Prime Mentors Canada

Our Participants

The most outstanding participants for conducting their research and project presentation in the one-on-one mentoring program are awarded a framed Certificate of Achievement and a one thousand dollar ($1,000) scholarship toward their post-secondary education. The funds are put in trust until the recipients have registered to a college/university of their choice upon graduation from high school.

The number of scholarships is dependent on the sponsorships received for the school year.

Award Winning Students

2017 - 2018

• Rabia Arshad from Grenoble Public School was awarded the Urban Joseph Scholarship

  Sofia Isoviski from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School was awarded the Catherine and Arthur Worth Memorial Scholarship

  Sriniketh Potukuchi from Thorncliffe Public School was awarded the Guy Hamel Scholarship

  Sydney Pacheco from St. Francis Catholic School was awarded the Francesco Montalto Scholarship

  Mohammad Basher Hussein from Thorncliffe Park Public School was awarded the Conchita Tan-Willman Scholarship

  Salome Sanchez-Zafka from Waterfront School was the James Moto Scholarship

  Hamza Un Nabi from Thorncliffe Pardk Public School was awarded the Joseph Sheehan Scholarship

2016 - 2017

• Marieson Sureshaj from St. Antoine Daniel Catholic School was awarded the Arthur and Catherine Worth Memorial Scholarship

• Arany Mahendran from Rose Avenue Public School was awarded the Conchita Tan-Willman Scholarship

• Zahra Ahmed From Grenoble Public School was awarded the Siu Pui and Tai Hing Hung Memorial Scholarship
• Ashwini Wijeyakumar from Grenoble Public School was awarded the Urban Joseph Scholarship
• Selin Alrishani from Grenoble Public School was awarded the Francesco Montalto Scholarship
• Claire Von Bitter from McMurrich Public School was awarded the James Moto Scholarship
• Gabrille Facey from Lord Lansdowne Public School was awarded the Joseph Sheehan Scholarship

"The number one problem that keeps one from succeeding is the lack of belief in oneself."
A. Williams

Every goal one reaches provides a new starting point

Recipients of PMC scholarship have won numerous scholarships and grants from major universities in the United States (Yale, Princeton, Harvard, Columbia, Julliard School of Music Cooper Institute for Advanced Science and Arts, UCLA and many more) and from major Canadian private and public corporations and universities (TD Bank, De Loran, SSHRC, U of Toronto, McGill U, UBC, University of Western Ontario and many others), One of them was awarded the internationally prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to work on his graduate studies at Oxford University, UK.

PMC Alumni distinguish themselves as well in meritorious community service attested by the countless awards and recognitions they have received. Some of them come back in full circle to our program as mentors and sponsors of our scholarships. One of them received the National Youth Community Service Award, 20 Under 20 in Canada.

Some of Our Graduates - where are they now?

Blair Livingstone: Elementary teacher, Toronto
Bob Scott P.Eng.: MBA General Manager at DEL (Diesel Equipment Limited) Toronto
Curtis Chambers: Founder, Chambers Financial Group, Clearwater, Florida.
Danielle Jones: Executive Assistant,New York City
Frank Montalto: Operations Manager, Toronto
Jake Raynard: glass blower at Myself!, Haliburton
Jason MacDonald: Senior Sales Consultant, Bell.
Kathryn Siddall: Principal Photographer at Thru Kat's Eye Photography, Toronto
Marianna Palma: Senior Media Planner at Starcom MediaVest Group, Russian Federation
Mark Baldwin: COO/Director of Marketing for i-Smartbizz, Toronto
Mark Sivilia: Senior Managing Editor at Ministry of Community and Social Services, Toronto
Dr. Mary Choi: Naturopathic Doctor,Toronto
Matthew Pearson: Youth Elite Soccer, Chicago
Melissa Biancardi (Bartel): PMP AVP, Norfolk, Virginia
Nicholas Avramis: Mortgage Officer, Toronto
Nigel Williams: VP, Open Text
Nuno Azeredo: Global Manager, Kimberly-Clark, Georgia
Peter Nguyen: Client Manager, UpOnline eMarketing
Ryan Baillargeon: Technology Strategist, Toronto
Thomas Keith Hannigan: Certified Inspector, Halifax
Veronica Gutierrez: Senior Manager, HSBC Bank Canada Vancouver
Vincent Tong B.Sc.: Client Solutions Officer at Credential, Vancouver
Carly Cheng: Teacher, Toronto
Rishanthini Mahendrarasa: Chartered Accountant, American Express
Amy Hung: Senior Corporate Buyer, City of Toronto
Michael Mak: Medical Intern
Sameeha Zaynab:Graduated, U of T
Francesco Montalto:Engineer, Cerica
Winnie Ho:Graduate student
Sofia Assi:Graduate student
Jiawen Zhou: Dietician, Montreal
Cullen Shen:University student
Zameer Bharwani: University student
Mustapha Badali: Graduate student
Clara Yang: University student
Michael Nguyen: University student
Jamuna Ganeshan: University student
Abdur Chatni: University student
Patricia Kousolas: University student
Lawren Wang: Graduate student
Talia Duarte:University student
Adeline Makim: University student
Isabel Arruda-Cayho: University student
Barerah Anjum: University student
Nasir Mohammad: University student
Selina Huang: University student
Tawhid Husssein: University Student
Mohammed Badali: Graduated, U of T
Nelly Su: University Student
Cassidy Chau: University student
Ruba Nizam: University student
Katie Pereira: University student
Joanne Cheng: University Student
Justin Bulicz: University student
Ashley Briones: University student
Lalita Thillainadarajah: University student
Sabrina Ho: University student
Michael Mak: MD graduate, U of T
Moustafa Badali: PhD graduate, Oxford U
Mohammad Badali: PhD student, U of T
Sameeha Zaynab: Graduated, U of T

What Students Say ...

I first entered the program in grade 6, under the guidance of Professor Fred Speed, a remarkable man whose many talents are as numerous as his accomplishments. Under his excellent guidance, measureless knowledge and undying patience with me, we presented a project on cells and cloning at the end of the school year. We stayed in collaboration for the following year, producing a thorough investigation on Albert Einstein and his Theory of General Relativity. My third year touched upon the Big Bang Theory, this time with Chris Chan, a brilliant student studying at the University of Toronto.

My time with my mentors has bestowed upon me other vital skills, such as how to plan and complete a project, research strategy, and presentation skills. However, the time spent with such amazing people is what I treasure most. It's not every day that you get to meet such wise and enthusiastic individuals willing to come to your school, once or twice a week, to spend an hour with you investigating something that you want to know more about. Such an opportunity is priceless.

In addition to the Prime Mentors program, I am currently participating in the World Council, a round table for discussion of any matter affecting the well-being of humanity and our natural world. The World Council allows us to don the personification of a great individual from the past, for instance, Albert Einstein, and identify the problems that we see in the present. By recognizing the issues of today, we are given the opportunity to shape a better tomorrow. In addition, the Council has introduced me to new people, all with great ideas on how to make our world a better place to live in. Together, to change the world, we need to start small. Thus, the Council members have each implemented plans on how to improve the communities that we live in, and then, gradually over time, grow to build a happier and more peaceful world.
Michael Mak

When I first heard about Prime Mentors of Canada, I became deeply interested in it because of its fantastic concept, which allows a lot of creativity and also improves one's research, communication, problem-solving and leadership skills. I decided that I would like to give it a try. Now I am very grateful that I participated, for it was the right choice for me. Meeting my mentor, Dr. Matheson, was very exciting, and I was a bit worried, because I did not know what to expect, but I should not have been, because Dr. Matheson is one of the best mentors that a protégé can have! The project that we completed together gave me an opportunity to explore a subject that I am very interested in, consciousness and memory. During the time that I worked with Dr. Matheson, I learned much about my subject, but I also learned many other skills that are useful for our daily life. Although I didn't know anything about the subject at the outset, I was guided through the concepts from the basic to the advanced. It was an awesome learning experience, even though there were some setbacks and difficulties. The project presentation was very successful and I was invited to present it again at O'Connor Public School. With the more in-depth knowledge that I have gained through the project, I am now more interested in the subject than ever. It also motivated me to volunteer with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario last summer and I had an amazing time there. I plan to pursue a career as a neurologist because of the experience, and how it has added to my own appreciation of the importance of the healthy functioning of the brain. I would really like to thank Dr. Matheson very much for putting in the effort and the time in mentoring me on a subject that has always intrigued me.

Through Prime Mentors, I was introduced to The World Council. It allowed me to have the opportunity to look at the world we live in right now not through the eyes of a feeble individual, but as one of many great leaders that made great changes to the world by setting their minds to to the task. Through discussions with other fellow protégés, I realized the amount of work that needs to be done on our planet Earth. I also learned that being one person, I still have the strength to make a positive contribution to our world, like many heroes such as Craig Kielburger.
Helen Zhang

I first found out that I was a part of the Prime Mentors program when I was in Grade 5. I was nervous at first, not knowing quite what to expect, but as the program progressed onward, I enjoyed every minute that I spent in it. The very first task that I took on was a project, choosing a topic of my own choice and working on it with the help of my mentor, Mrs. Helen King. She and I met every Thursday for about two hours to work on my project. Throughout the process I learnt how to conduct presentations, how to effectively gather information, and how to properly apply these skills. I have benefited from the knowledge that I acquired, and continue to use these skills in my projects and presentations.

I chose to do my project on my country of origin, Bangladesh, because I moved to Canada at a very young age and wanted to learn more about my roots. In this process, I learned about how much development was needed in Bangladesh. I am now looking forward towards a career in International Development. Receiving the scholarship certainly boosted my confidence and encouraged me to work hard and contribute my ideas and skills to society. Being a part of the PMC scholar circle has continued to enrich my knowledge and develop skills that I otherwise would have not developed in school. I also had the chance to make friends of all ages from different schools with common interests.
Sameeha Zaynab, Fourth Year University

I am a grade 12 student at St. Joseph's Morrow Park, graduating this year and heading to the University of Toronto in the fall studying life sciences. My experiences with Prime Mentors of Canada started 4 years ago as a student in grade 8 deciding on where to go for high school and it still continues on today as I pass a milestone in my life and enter the next exciting stage of post secondary school.

I was mentored by Dr. Dugald Matheson, whom I still keep in touch with today presenting a project on the Immune System. Having this experience was not only eye opening, but life directing. I learned so much, not only from the text book but also about life and the endless possibilities that are available if I only chose to discover them. Because of this new found friendship, Dr. Matheson helped me to discover my career choice of Medicine in Paediatrics.

I was awarded with a generous Diana and Charles Tisdall Scholarship, which would go towards funding my post secondary education. I participate in the Community Builders in Action Leadership Program where we regularly meet with other young leaders of today funnelling our great minds together, creating projects to reach out to the community and learn about ourselves.
Carly Cheng

The PMC program has motivated me to step up and try my best, something which I rarely did before. It also taught me how to do research, which helped me later on and still does, in school. I couldn't have done as well in middle school if I hadn't learned how to work with other people. Receiving the scholarship had gained me respect amongst my family and peers aside from the financial assistance for my university education. It encouraged me to try harder in school. I never had imagined that I would get a scholarship at such a young age, and that inspired me to follow my dreams. I cherish it the most among my academic achievements.
Shamin Syed, Grade 10

The PMC program helped me become a more responsible and organized person. Being mentored helps to develop one's communication and team work skills. One gets to look up to a role model and learn how to become a good leader. Receiving the scholarship definitely had a huge impact on my self-confidence, particularly towards the career I wanted in the future. It made me realize that hard work and perseverance result in success.
Lalitha Thillainadarajah, Grade 12

The PMC program has taught me to think critically, communicate and work together with peers in order to get things done. My career choice has been greatly influenced by my mentor who has offered me advice about following the same path and entering the medical school. The greatest impact of the scholarship was the recognition and praise to my accomplishments and skills which have gained me the confidence to aim even higher.
Jeeven Navaah, University Graduate

It has motivated me to work harder in my community and as a student. I have become highly efficient and hard-working that will help me in achieving both my academic and career related goals. The scholarship was a source of recognition and encouragement that pushed me to want to go to university.
Jovana Randjelovic, University Graduate

My experience in the PMC program influenced me to apply the knowledge I have acquired and learn about things that I might not have learned otherwise in school. It also encouraged me to further pursue learning about different topics that I would not have thought of. My family was very proud of me for receiving the scholarship, which will provide needed financial assistance. It gave me great encouragement that boosted my self-confidence.
Sofia Assi, Grade 10

My experience in the PMC program has taught me the value of hard work... that if you put in the extra time and effort, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. The scholarship has encouraged me to excel as a student and has increased my self-confidence.
Samantha Gouveia, Teacher Educ. Program

My experience in the PMC mentoring program has made me realize of what I am capable of. I've developed communication and leadership skills. My career choice has largely been influenced by my PMC project and by my project on leukemia. Coming from a family of five children, the scholarship will help my family financially in my post-secondary education.
Tsering Wangmo, Third Year University

I enjoyed every minute of it. Throughout the process with Mrs. Helen King, my mentor, I learned how to effectively gather information and how to properly conduct presentation, skills that I continue to use in my subsequent projects and presentations.
   PMC has influenced me to always strive for excellence in everything I do within the school and beyond. ... knowing that one has to put in one's best effort in one's work. I chose to do my project on my country of origin, Bangladesh, because I moved to Canada at a very young age and wanted to learn more about my roots. In this process, I learned about how much development was needed in Bangladesh. I am now looking forward towards a career in International Development. Receiving the scholarship certainly boosted my confidence and encouraged me to work hard and contribute my ideas and skills to society. Being a part of the PMC scholar circle has continued to enrich my knowledge and develop skills that I otherwise would have not developed in school. I also had the chance to make friends of all ages from different schools with common interests.
Sameeha Zaynab, Fourth Year University

The PMC mentoring program has helped me achieve goals that I thought were unachievable until I was close to graduating high school, such as receiving scholarships. It has allowed me to improve and learn new skills: time management, prioritizing, and self-discipline. I ,now, have the confidence to truly believe that I can do whatever I want to. My project on the heart and cardiac arrest and my mentor have inspired me to become a cardio-surgeon. The scholarship will help me pursue my studies as I don't come from a wealthy family.
Glothen Steve Sirisegaram, Third Year Univ.

Through the PMC program, my public speaking skills have grown vastly. Now, I have no fear in public speaking. As well, it has improved my research skills and basic knowledge in Forensic Science, a field which I consider to study at the university. The scholarship has given me the confidence and encouragement to strive for more and work my best.
Menal Huroy, Second Year Unversity

My experience in the PMC mentoring program has given me confidence and allows me to reach beyond what I believed my capabilities to be. It had helped to develop the required skills to be a successful student: leadership, communication and analytical skills. My project, The Brain and Memory, and my mentor have greatly influenced my career in neuroscience, a subject that I had not even considered before this great experience. The scholarship will be a financial aid In raching my goals. As a recipient of such award, I have gained self-confidence and I am encouraged to proceed with the subject that I enjoy.
Pryanga Yogalingam, University Graduate

Being a Prime Mentors student has had a long lasting impact on me because of Prime Mentor's investment in me at an early age ... seeing something in me when I did not see it myself.

Getting the right start makes all the difference. I learned a lot from my mentor, Alisha Mohammad, on my project "Energizing the Environment". I learned how to get organized, how to find information on a topic and present it in a way my classmates would understand. I was very shy and making a presentation was nerve-wracking. My mentor encouraged me, helped me practice and gave me good advice. I am very thankful to her and the opportunity that this unique program offered. PMC extends beyond the mentorship project. I was also involved on PMC 's World Council and youth leadership conferences, speaking with a panel of other PMC scholars in front of elementary graders about student success and volunteerism. The fact that I am still engaged with PMC 8 years later is a tribute to the impact of the program on me. Now, I am studying dietetics at McGill University as a Loran Scholar, a national full scholarship program, and hope to work in the field of food security.
Jiawen Zhou, Fourth Year University