Richard Bilkszto Award & Scholarship Ceremony Honors Dedicated Educator
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, ON – The Richard Bilkszto Award & Scholarship Ceremony will take place at Firkin on the Bay, 68 Marine Parade Dr, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. This event celebrates the enduring legacy of Richard Bilkszto, an esteemed educator who touched the lives of thousands of students and fought for justice and equality in education.
Richard was a beloved teacher and principal who dedicated 24 years to mentoring youth across the Greater Toronto Area. His unwavering commitment to providing equal opportunity and championing the pursuit of excellence for all students, regardless of their background, left a profound impact and legacy that we honour today.
Tragically, Richard's life ended too soon after he was bullied over a false charge of racism. The awards presented in his name continue his mission to build a better education system for future generations.
The Richard Bilkszto Awards & Scholarships in the amount of $500 and $1000, respectively, will be presented to two outstanding educators and one deserving student. This year’s winners are:
Elizabeth Haas-Barota, teacher, Peel DSB
Carolyn Burjoski, retired teacher, Waterloo Region DSB
Thomas Corken, incoming B. Ed. candidate at the University of Western Ontario
Winner bios and photos are available on the website here.
Quotes
"Richard Bilkszto's legacy is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering support for students. These awards not only honor his memory but also inspire us to continue his fight for justice in education." - Natasha Mansouri, Chair of the Board
“Richard's commitment to equality and education was unparalleled. The recipients of these scholarships embody the values he stood for and will carry forward his vision for a fair and just educational system” - Anthony Furey, Member of the Board
The event will feature heartfelt speeches from Richard’s friends, the award presentations by board members and family, and a moment of remembrance for Richard’s significant contributions to education and his impactful life.
Contact
Tasha Kheiriddin
Board Member, Friends of Richard Bilkstzo
tasha.kheiriddin@rogers.com
Photo and interview opportunities will be available at the event.
For more information, please visit https://www.richardbilkszto.ca/
