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Student Scholarships Enrich The Northern Experience

Scholarships below 
Ranging from $200 to $5000, scholarships and awards are given to students (mostly graduating) who have made a positive impact in the Northern community and beyond. Each scholarship has its own criteria and is generously funded by former staff, parents or alumni. We are so grateful for their generosity. 

Scholarship Application Season is Approaching!

March 7 – May 2, 2025

Scholarship Application Season is Open!

Deadline for submissionS is

May 2, 2025

Thank You Everyone who Submitted Scholarship Applications!

WE are no longer accepting submissions for the 2024-25 school year

How To Apply

During Scholarship Application Season, all scholarships / awards have 2 buttons:
Please read Award Criteria carefully. You'll need to refer to the criteria in your application. Click the Apply Now button to fill out an application. 
Max. scholarship applications per student = 3

The Foundation Is
Always Looking For
Bright Ideas

Hey graduating students – would you share any ideas you have about how the NSS Foundation can do more to create positive impacts in the life of Northern students? The foundation also wants to be a driver of success for grads pivoting towards career paths + higher education. Hit us with networking ideas + killer professional apps that deserve to be shared widely. We're cooking up a Grads Toolkit and would love your input.   
Quick Survey – Your Ideas

Scholarships

The NSSF Award 
of Recognition

Gr. 12 – $500
Gr. 11 – $150
Gr. 10 – $150
Gr. 9 – $150

Apply
Leadership
NEW

The Northern Student Success Award

$500

Apply
NEW

The Northern Moon and Stars Award

$1000 (may be shared)

Apply

James M. McCarron Changemaker
Award 

$500

Apply

Dale R. Callender President’s Award of Merit

$500

Apply

Jim W. Davidson Scholarship

$2000 (to 2 students each)

Apply

Megan Isabel Loges Social Justice Scholarship

$500

Apply

NSSF White Ribbon Award

$500

Apply
Athletics

Clarke Pulford Scholarship

$500

Apply

Davis Kelo Memorial Stepping Forward Award

$1000

Apply

Kris Risk Sportsperson Award of Excellence

$350 (to male + female)

Apply

Stacey Levitt Memorial Scholarship

$500

Apply
Business  &  Design

Alfred and Mary Buckley Memorial Award

$1000

Apply

Kathryn Taylor Memorial Scholarship in Business Studies

$200

Apply

Belyk Award for Design Excellence

$500 (max)

Apply

NSSF Drawing Award

$100

Apply

The Robert Zawerbny Memorial Award in Illustration and Design

$5000

Apply
THE ARTS

Debbie Barton-Moore Dramatic Arts Award

$1500

Apply

Ene Lomp Scholarship

$500

Apply

Grandson XX Creative Writing Award

1st place – $250
2nd place – $150
3rd place – $100

Apply

John Jossifakis Technical Theatre / RTA or Events Award

$1500

Apply

Mary Fletcher Bonnycastle Poetry Award

$75 Indigo Gift Card (Grades 9-11)

Apply

Selena Taylor
Memorial Award

$1000

Apply
MAth  &  Science
NEW

Dr. Elliot Sampson Memorial Award in Biology

$1000

Apply

Excellence in Science Award

$1000

Apply

Norman Hayman Mathematics Scholarship

$1000

Apply
HISTORY  &  SOCIAL STUDIES

The McKelvey Family Scholarship in Canadian and World Studies

$750

Apply

Gail Robertson Whitworth Family Studies / Social Science Award

$250

Apply

Milli Richmond Family Studies Award

$250

Apply
ENVIRONMENT, PLUS

Maya Zibaie Memorial Scholarship

$1000

Apply

Glenn Way Memorial Scholarship in Environmental / Humanitarian Studies

$500

Apply
Hard of Hearing

Audrey Yvonne Smith Scholarship 

$900 (max)

Apply

George Heintzman Memorial Award For Deaf and Hard of Hearing

$500

Apply
OTHER

Bulder Carlsen Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to each grade w/ $200 going to the Graduate

Apply

Caelan Nanek Co-op Award

$500

Apply

Future Teachers
Award

$500

Apply

Jeff Mitz Interdisciplinary Studies Scholarship

$1500

Apply

Triumph
Award

$1000 (for 1 or more students each)

Apply

The NSSF Award of Recognition

Grade 12 – $500 awarded to one student
Grade 11 – $150 awarded to one student
Grade 10 – $150 awarded to one student
Grade 9 – $150 awarded to one student 

The NSS Award of Recognition is given to one student in each grade who, through his/her goodwill, self-direction, creativity or initiative, reflects positively on the reputation of Northern Secondary School in the community. The recipients of the Northern Awards of Recognition are selected by The Board of Directors of the Northern Secondary School Foundation. Students cannot submit the same community project described in a previous year.
Apply for this Award

Alfred and Mary Buckley Memorial Award

$1000

This award honours the determination, optimism and courage that Alfred and Mary Buckley demonstrated throughout their lives. Alfred was a graduate of Northern and his daughter Varla Abrams, former Principal of Northern is the generous donor. The award is given to a graduate who is pursuing a career in business, design or architecture and who has demonstrated initiative, energy and enthusiasm in the achievement of his/her goals.
Apply for this Scholarship

Audrey Yvonne Smith Scholarship

$900

or $450 to 2 students

Funded by a legacy from Audrey Yvonne Smith, this scholarship honors a graduating student from Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program who is pursuing further education or training, who has (1) demonstrated leadership and commitment to Northern and to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program (through sports and/or other departmental activities), and (2) demonstrated leadership and commitment to the deaf and hard of hearing community beyond Northern.
Apply for this Scholarship

Belyk Award for Design Excellence

$500

or $250 each to two winners

This award was established by the Belyk family as a way of honouring and continuing their family’s 50-year association with Northern. It is presented to a graduating student who has a passion for design, readily takes initiative, strives for excellence and contributes to the image of Northern through graphic design.
Apply for this Scholarship

Bulder Carlsen Memorial Scholarship

$200

Awarded to each Grade – only the
Grade 12 student receives $200.

Established in honour of Bulder Carlsen, former School Treasurer, this scholarship is awarded to four students: the student in Grade 9 with the third highest average, the student in Grade 10 with the third highest average, the student in Grade 11 with the second highest average, and the student in Grade 12 with the second highest average.
No application required.

Caelan Nanek Co-op Award

$500

Caelan Nanek graduated from Northern in 2015. The award was established by his parents to honour Northern staff for the support and assistance provided to Caelan. The award of $500 is given to a graduating student who demonstrates commitment and achievement in the Co-op Program. 
No application required.

Clarke Pulford Scholarship

$500

Established by Clarke Pulford, former head of Physical Education at Northern, this award is given to an outstanding graduating student who is going on to university studying Physical Education or a related area.
Apply for this Scholarship

Dale R. Callender President’s Award of Merit

$500

In recognition of Dale R. Callender’s longstanding participation as an NSS Foundation Board member and its President from 2006 – 2010, this award is to be presented to a graduating student who has made a significant contribution to the NSS Foundation or to Student Council activities (including but not limited to senators, class representatives, club executive members, and volunteers for NSSF events).

The student must have maintained high standards of organization, commitment and energy and completed a minimum of 24 volunteer hours for the benefit of the NSS Foundation or Student Council.
Apply for this Scholarship

Davis Kelo Memorial Stepping Forward Award

$1000

Davis Kelo, a talented athlete and leader in the Boys’ Athletic Association, passed away in 2007.
 Generously funded by his family and a close friend , this award will be presented to a student leader and athlete who has organized activities to promote wellness and has decreased the stigma surrounding mental illness. To be considered for this award, you must: 

1.  have participated as an athlete on Northern teams and athletic organizations.

2.  have demonstrated leadership in facilitating awareness of and activities for promoting mental health at Northern or in the community.

3.  have exercised leadership individually or collectively to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health issues by advocating for others.

4.  have the respect of the student athletic community at Northern.

Students can nominate themselves for this award.
Nominate A Candidate

Debbie Barton-Moore Dramatic Arts Award

$1500

Award Criteria:

This award will be given annually to a graduating student in Dramatic Arts whose contribution to the drama program has left a lasting impact on the department. The student must be able to articulate how they see drama contributing to their future in whatever post-secondary studies they plan to pursue. Some preference may be given to those who plan to continue their studies in Dramatic Arts or a related discipline at the post-secondary level.

Students must complete the application form ( Apply button below) which will be reviewed by Debbie Barton-Moore and their drama teacher, followed by an interview with Debbie and their teacher. You are being asked to answer the following questions:

1.  “Drama is the Art of Psychology.” How would you interpret this quote? (200-500 words)

2.  How do you imagine your high school drama experience impacting your future studies and career?  (200-500 words)
Apply for this Scholarship

Dr. Elliot Sampson Memorial Award in Biology

$1000

Elliot Sampson, who graduated from Northern in 2002, was an outstanding student, varsity athlete and musician. Following his graduation from Dalhousie, he studied medicine at the University of Calgary before becoming a Hospitalist in acute family medicine at Leduc Community Hospital, Alberta. There he was respected by his patients for his compassion and the excellent care they received from him. Dr Sampson passed away on April 16, 2024.

This scholarship was created by his parents, Paul and Debra Sampson to honour his memory at Northern Secondary School. The Dr. Elliot Sampson Memorial Award in Biology recognizes an outstanding graduating student in Biology who plans post-secondary studies in the Health Sciences at university or college.

Award Criteria:

The recipient is a graduating student who:

1.  excelled in science subjects especially biology

2.  demonstrated an interest in biology through participation beyond the classroom in science clubs and competitions.

3.  participated in extracurricular athletics and/or music and art

4.  supported their classmates in their studies. 
Apply for this Scholarship

Ene Lomp Scholarship

$500

This award was created to honour the contribution of Ene Lomp to music at Northern on the occasion of her retirement in 2018 after 40 years of inspiring generations of students at Northern. The award is given to one graduating student who has made an outstanding contribution to the music program at Northern through participation in several ensembles. Preference will be given to a student who is pursuing music at the post-secondary level. Students may apply directly for consideration Staff may nominate a student
Apply for this Scholarship

Excellence in Science Award

$1000

This award is presented annually to one or two graduating students who have demonstrated the greatest talent and ability in the scientific fields of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and have attained high academic standards.
Apply for this Award

Future Teachers Award

$500

Generously funded by the retired teachers of NSS, this award is presented to a graduating student in good academic standing who is planning to enrol in a concurrent program of education at a university. Consideration may be given to a student who plans to pursue a post graduate degree in education. Applicants will have to demonstrate an interest in tutoring or mentoring other students in school or the community while at Northern.
Apply for this Award

Gail Robertson Whitworth Family Studies / Social Science Award

$250

To mark her family’s 90 years association with Northern, Gail Robertson Whitworth, former teacher and Head of the Family Studies Department, has established a scholarship for students in Family Studies/Social Science. Three generations of her family have been students at Northern beginning with her parents in the 1930s, Gail in the 1970s and her son and daughter in the 2000s.

This award will be given annually to a graduating student who has successfully completed at least 3 department courses. The recipient must have displayed an outstanding desire to learn, and actively participated in class discussion. They will also have expressed their intention to pursue post-secondary education in one of the many fields of Family Studies / Social Science. Preference will be given to a student who as excelled in Parenting, the Canadian Family, Human Development, or AP Psychology.
Apply for this Award

George Heintzman Memorial Award

$500

This award was created by the Rotary Club of Toronto Eglinton through the generosity of the Heintzman family. The Award will be given annually at the Awards Assembly or Commencement to a student in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program in year 2, 3 or 4 who has served as a positive role model to other Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and mentored them to become actively involved in the full life of the school.
Apply for this Award

Glenn Way Memorial Scholarship in Environmental / Humanitarian Studies

$500

This award is to be given out annually at Commencement to one graduating student who has raised the awareness of the importance of becoming actively involved in environmental or humanitarian issues at Northern. The student should have initiated a school related project and demonstrated commitment and perseverance to see their project to completion, and made an impact on the wider community.
Apply for this Scholarship

Grandson XX Creative Writing Award

$250 – 1st place
$150 – 2nd place
$100 – 3rd place

This award was created by Jordan Benjamin NSS’ 11, a singer songwriter known professionally as Grandson, to recognize the love of writing that was fostered at Northern and to encourage others to aspire to excellence in creative writing.

These awards will be given annually to three students in Grades 11 or 12 at Commencement or the Awards Assembly. English teachers will select the winning entries.

Jordan will make himself available to recipients for a personal call to share his encouragement and career & writing experience in the music industry.

Students should submit their original work to their English teacher. Entries can include poetry, short fiction, an academic essay, lyrics for a song and/or a script for a play.
Please consult your English teacher for additional information.

James M. McCarron Changemaker Award

$500

Jim McCarron was a highly respected Principal of Northern from 1991-96. Funded by his family and former colleagues to recognize a student who has made a difference in the lives of others in the school or community, this award will be presented annually at Commencement.

CRITERIA : The recipient ... 

1.  Has taken courageous action in the school or community to challenge the status quo and provide a better solution to a school, humanitarian or environmental challenge.

2.  Has started a club or initiated a project to make the school or community a more welcoming place for specific individuals.

3. Has volunteered time in the school or community to improve the lives of others and has changed hearts and minds. 

Please attach a letter of reference addressing the criteria from staff or a community representative to the application.
Apply for this Award

Jeff Mitz Interdisciplinary Studies Scholarship

$1500

This award was established to recognize Jeff Mitz' tremendous commitment to Northern and the Gifted Studies program. It is awarded annually to a graduating student who has distinguished himself / herself in the Interdisciplinary Studies program through excellence in academic achievement that has gained recognition beyond the classroom.
Apply for this Scholarship

Jim W. Davidson Scholarship

$2000

To 2 students

Created by Jim W. Davidson, an alumnus, this scholarship is awarded to two graduating students demonstrating athletic and academic excellence so they can pursue post secondary studies at a university or community college. The student must have achieved an average of 75% in their graduating year. Preference will be given to a student who was involved in extra-curricular activities. The applicant must show integrity of character, interest in and respect for others, and have demonstrated leadership.
Apply for this Scholarship

John Jossifakis Technical Theatre / RTA or Events Award

$1500

Funded by John Jossifakis NSS’ 98, who started his journey with technical theatre as a member of Northern’s Stage Crew, this award will be given annually to a graduating student who plans to enter a technical field in Theatre, Radio Television Arts [RTA], or Events either at college, university or as an apprentice.

CRITERIA : The recipient ...

1.  Has made an outstanding contribution to technical theatre productions, and/or events at Northern as a member of the Stage Crew or Drama Crew.

2.  Has contributed to multiple performance and/or events behind the scenes and displayed technical competence in various aspects of production-lighting, sound, set design, properties, photography, construction or stage management.

3.  Plans to pursue post-secondary studies in a Technical field in Theater, RTA , or Events.

4.  Would benefit from financial assistance to pursue post-secondary goals. 

Students may apply and/or staff may nominate. 
Apply for this Award

Kathryn Taylor Memorial Scholarship in Business Studies

$200

Established to honour the long standing commitment of Kathryn Taylor, office administrator at Northern, on the occasion of her retirement, this scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating student who exhibits enthusiasm, motivation and academic strength in Organization Studies in the Department of Business Studies and who has maintained consistent academic performance and contribution to the school and/or community.
Apply for this Scholarship

Kris Risk Sportsperson Award of Excellence

$350

to 1 female & 1 male each

This award was established by the family of Kris Risk, a former Northern student who won awards for both athletics and school participation during her years at the school. Kris passed away in 2008.

The award is presented to two graduating students, one male and one female, who are pursuing their education at the post-secondary level and who have participated in school activities, athletics and community life during their time at Northern.
Apply for this Award

Mary Fletcher Bonnycastle Poetry Award

$75 chapters / Indigo Gift Card

This award is to be given out annually at the Awards Assembly to a deserving student in each of Grades 9, 10 and 11. These students have grown within a group learning experience, developed their values and talents within the matrix of the course, and created a portfolio, an anthology or a performance that touches our hearts.
No application required.

Maya Zibaie Memorial Scholarship

$1000

This Scholarship was established by Mr. Mahmoud Zibaie and the Northern community to honour the memory of Maya Zibaie who was a passenger on the Ukraine International Flight PS752, en route to Kiev from Tehran, that was shot down by an Iranian missile after takeoff on January 8th 2020.

The award will be presented annually at Commencement to a graduating student who plans to continue their studies in Environmental Science and Sustainability at the post-secondary level.

Applicants should have been previously enrolled in an ESL program, have demonstrated interest in environmental issues at Northern, as well as participated in an Environment Science course at Northern.
Apply for this Scholarship

The McKelvey Family Scholarship in Canadian and World Studies

$750

This scholarship was created by the McKelvey family to recognize the outstanding achievement of a graduating student in economics, law, human geography, or world issues. The family enjoyed a long association with Northern through their children Alex and the late Michelle McKelvey [NSS ‘99] and their mother Merilyn who was a member of the teaching staff for 16 years.

The Scholarship is presented annually at Commencement to a graduating student with:

1. Outstanding achievement in at least three senior level Canadian and World Studies courses and who was

2. Involved with extracurricular activities such as the Model UN Club, Mock Trial, Ethics, debating, Northern student government and Buddies and

3. An active participant in class discussions enriching the learning for all.
Apply for this Scholarship

Megan Isabel Loges Social Justice Scholarship

$500

 Megan graduated from NSS in 2015. This scholarship was established by her mother to honor the learning environment, teachers and staff that ignited, fostered and encouraged Megan’s passion for learning, volunteerism and social advocacy. This scholarship will be awarded to a graduating student who is pursuing post-secondary education and lives his/her daily life true to his/her convictions, values and passions, and who truly wants to make the world a better place.
Apply for this Scholarship

Milli Richmond Family Studies Award

$250

Milli Richmond was a teacher in the Family Studies Dept for 30 years at Northern and feels strongly about this area of study. This award is to be given out annually at Commencement to one graduating student who has successfully completed at least two Family Studies courses (student could be in the process of completing the second course at the time of graduation). The student will have contributed to the class atmosphere with respect to participation, attitude and a desire to learn. The student also will have expressed his / her intention to pursue post-secondary education in the field of Humanities.
Apply for this Award

Norman Hayman Mathematics Scholarship

$1000

Established by Norman Hayman, a 1945 graduate of Northern, in recognition of the assistance and encouragement he received from his mathematics and metal shop teachers. Their direction provided the impetus for him to move from a technical program to an academic program, enabling him to pursue engineering at university.

The scholarship is awarded to a graduating student who has completed a minimum of two (2) courses in Grade 12 mathematics and has attained outstanding grades in both courses. The student must have participated and excelled in an extra-curricular mathematics contest and be attending university immediately after graduation.
Apply for this Scholarship

The Northern Moon and Stars Award

$1000

This award was established in 2024 by the Jewish and Islamic Students’ Associations of Northern Secondary School, led by Youssef Hamoda and Bella Rethazy. The award recognizes the efforts of Northern students who select the path of reconciliation to heal divisions within the school and wider community. It is hoped that this award will inspire the leaders of tomorrow to build coalitions and resolve conflict through peaceful collaboration.
Criteria : The recipient ...

1.  Is a full-time graduating student at Northern Secondary School

2.  Plans to continue studies at a university or college

3.  Is in good academic standing

4.  Has demonstrated leadership in resolving divisions within the school or wider community through reconciliation

5.  Has served as a positive role model to inspire other students to resolve issues through collaboration
Students are encouraged to complete an application. Staff may encourage students to apply for this award.. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview conducted by two members of Northern teaching staff.
Apply for this Scholarship

The Northern Student Success Award

$500

This award will be presented to a graduating student who has made a significant contribution to the academic and/or personal success of other Northern students through their involvement in different student programs such as PeerTutoring, Nutrition Program, Pals, or Buddies. Strong consideration will be given to a student in financial need. Generously funded by an anonymous alumnus.
Apply for this Scholarship

NSSF Drawing Award

$100

This award is given to the graduating student who has developed a superior understanding and ability in drawing and is the top Life Drawing student and/or the top Drawing & Painting student. The award is funded by the Foundation in honour of the original benefactors for the award, artists John Roberts (a Northern graduate) and Robert Magee.  
No application required.

NSSF White Ribbon Award

$500

This award was established to honour the efforts of Northern students over the years to end violence against women and girls. The award will be given annually at Commencement or the Awards’ Assembly. The recipient will be selected by the Scholarship Committee of Northern Secondary School based on the following criteria: the recipient has raised awareness among the student body of gender-based violence and engaged the school community in events and activities that has increased their peers’ knowledge of gender-based violence and harassment. Students may self-nominate.
Apply for this Award

Robert Zawerbny Memorial Award in Illustration and Design

$5000

Robert Zawerbny, or Mr. Z as he was affectionally known, was an icon at Northern. He not only taught at Northern for over 35 years but studied at Northern under renowned artists and educators Ethel Currie, Percy Gardner and John Bennett.

The Robert Zawerbny Award in Design and Illustration was established in 2020 by Jason Herriott NSS’ 87, a former student of Mr. Zawerbny, in appreciation of the profound impact Bob had on his life and career as teacher, mentor and friend.

With his tremendous talent, boundless enthusiasm and energy, Bob influenced a generation of young artists who have enjoyed successful careers in the arts in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles and around the world.

This award will be given annually to a graduating student in Design and Illustration whose superior artistic talent and excellent portfolio has inspired other students to succeed. The student must be planning to continue his / her studies in illustration and Design.
Apply for this Award

Selena Taylor Memorial Award

$1000

This scholarship was created in memory of Selena Taylor, a Northern student who died tragically in an automobile accident in the summer of 1997. The scholarship is awarded annually to one or two graduating students who have made an outstanding contribution to either the Music or Art program at Northern (or both).

The student(s) must show financial need and be pursuing post-secondary students in the Arts. If one student is chosen, the award is $1,500. If two students are chosen, the award is $750 for each student. A small plaque is also presented.
Apply for this Award

Stacey Levitt Memorial Scholarship

$500

This scholarship is in memory of Stacey Levitt for her dedication to excellence in both athletic and academic pursuits. Stacey set high personal goals and worked hard to achieve them. Awarded to a female graduate whose commitment, team spirit, and hard work have made her a valuable varsity athlete at Northern while maintaining excellence in all academic pursuits.
Apply for this Scholarship

Triumph Award

$1000

To 1 or more students each

This award celebrates the outstanding spirit and determination of graduating students who have overcome great personal challenges in order to achieve academic success. The award was created by Emily Mills, a former Northern student, and is funded by Gladys De Schepper, a former Northern teacher and head of Co-operative Education. The award recipient(s) will be selected by the Guidance Department in consultation with Gladys De Schepper.
Apply for this Award

How Awards & Scholarships
Are Decided

All awards and scholarships are selected by the Scholarship Committee of Northern Secondary School in conjunction with Staff advisors and/or Curriculum Leaders ...

... except for the NSS Awards of Recognition, which are selected by the Northern Secondary School Foundation.