Congratulations to five sons and daughters of RAHB members who were awarded $2,000 Scholarships in Memory of Karan Barker! The scholarships were presented at the RAHB Annual Election Meeting on December 5, 2018.

DMITRI CIRACO, son of Connie Kowalski of Heritage Realty.  Dmitri is a graduate of Assumption Secondary School.

Dmitri is currently attending Western University in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and is pursuing a career in film production so he can write and direct meaningful films that shed light on prominent and controversial issues in our society.

In school, Dmitri was on Student Council for three years, and was elected Vice-President in his last year. He led multiple events at the school, including fundraisers, dances, barbeques and community-driven events. He was part of the Athletic Council for four years and was appointed President of the Council in his last year. He also served as an Ambassador, a role helping new students integrate into the school community. Dmitri played football from grade nine until his graduation, and was made captain in his last year. He volunteered extensively outside of school activities as well.

MOSES COOK, son of Lana and Ken Cook of Royal LePage Macro Realty. Moses is a graduate of Sherwood Secondary School and has earned his B.Sc in Biophysics from the University of Toronto.  He is currently pursuing his M.Sc degree at the University of Toronto in the Department of Medical Biophysics, with the goal of becoming a clinician scientist.

He expects his clinical work will be complemented by research in cancer therapeutics to develop new techniques for treating cancer using radiation therapy.

An experience with a brain tumour and treatment – which resulted in vision impairment – led Moses to focus his education and also gave him a unique empathy for others undergoing the same experience he had.  He has served as a peer mentor for students with disabilities in the U of T “Access Us” program, and has become an advocate for those students as he continues to support the program. As an undergrad, he published a paper in the Journal of Undergraduate Life Sciences. Outside of his academic studies, Moses also volunteered at McMaster Children’s Hospital.

LAURYN HARRISON, daughter of Richard Harrison of Royal LePage Burloak Real Estate Services. Lauren graduated from Corpus Christi Catholic Secondary School and is now attending McMaster University in the Integrated Business and Humanities program, with a view to pursuing a career in social services.

Lauryn has a long list of academic accomplishments, including Ontario scholar, achieving the highest marks in various subjects, Grade 12 University Award and recipient of the Canadian Federation of Women Scholarship. Lauryn was also a member of Mock Trial teams, the track & field team and served as a Grade 11 student mentor. In addition to all that, Lauryn has also been active in community endeavours. Two years ago she coordinated a children’s book drive for the Syrian refugees in her community. She has also volunteers with the Canadian Alopecia Areata Foundation where she helped organize charity events and awareness conferences.

KAITLIN JOHNNY, daughter of Leanne Johnny of RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.   Kaitlin is a graduate of Bishop Tonnos Secondary School and is now attending Brock University in the concurrent program with a view to becoming a teacher.

In school, Kaitlin was active in Hallowe’en for Hunger, the school fashion show, senior girls’ volleyball and Best Buddies. In the community, she was the top fundraiser under 19 for the 2014 Moonlit Memory Walk, played competitive beach and indoor volleyball and volunteered with the Mountain Volleyball Club youth camp. Kaitlyn is a recipient of the Directors’ Award for Health and Physical Activity.

GINA MONTANI, daughter of Gino Montani of Royal LePage State Realty.  Gina graduated from Saltfleet District High School and is currently enrolled in the Humanities program at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Gina has a wide range of interests and says she’s uncertain as to what career she wishes to pursue, but cites an interest in military service, justice, medical, writing or drama. Whatever her eventual choice, her goal is to make a difference in the world.

In high school, Gina participated on the badminton and volleyball teams, in the drama club, Positive Space, choir, student parliament and slam poetry. She won the Valedictory Award and was Class Valedictorian in her last year. Gina received awards for public speaking and her anti-bullying efforts, as well as for top marks in various subjects.

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The Scholarship in Memory of Karan Barker is named for Karan Barker, a former executive officer of the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington. Karan was an outstanding EO, winning awards from both OREA and CREA in recognition of her contributions to our association and the real estate profession.

 Scholarships in Memory of Karan Barker are presented each year to students who are children or grandchildren of RAHB members or RAHB staff. All recipients are attending or will be attending university or college. These young people have demonstrated academic excellence and a high level of involvement in their school or the community.

To date, $106,500 has been awarded to 75 students since the inception of the Scholarships in 2001.