Congratulations to our 2026 Recipient, Sabrina Hallman!

Sabrina Hallman of New Dundee is this year’s recipient of the $1500 Optimist Club of New Dundee Youth Appreciation Scholarship. Sabrina, who lives just outside the town of New Dundee and attends Waterloo-Oxford DSS, has accepted an offer at the University of Waterloo in their Legal Studies program. Her long term goal is to attend law school and practice law.  

Presenting Sabrina with her cheque and certificate are Beth Mehring and Lynn Berry, Co-Chairs of the Scholarship Committee.  

Special thanks also goes to Brenda Astoll, community member, for her contributions during the candidate interviews and selection process. 

This is a scholarship with a difference. It does not depend on marks or financial need.  It recognizes students who have volunteered their time and talents helping others through service in their community, school and/or church (beyond the requirement for graduation). It is open to New Dundee area students who are graduating from high school and going on to college or university. In keeping with the Optimist motto ‘Friend of Youth’, the New Dundee Optimist Club hopes to encourage young people at an early age to see the benefits of getting involved in volunteer activities. 

Sabrina began volunteering at a young age and continues to demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism. She has pledged to give back to a community who in her words “…has helped me find so many amazing people and opportunities…”. Within the broader Wilmot community she has volunteered for 100 Women of Wilmot, Canada Day celebrations, softball tournaments and at New Dundee PS.   

Throughout high school, Sabrina volunteered for the Growing in the Arts School of Dramatic & Expressive Arts. Her weekly volunteer duties included mentoring young actors during classes and helping them prepare for shows by working on lines, managing nerves and moving sets. Over time, as her passion for acting and helping others find their voice and confidence grew, her role transitioned from student to essential volunteer teaching assistant and assistant director. 

To the Optimist Club Sabrina writes, “I am truly honoured and grateful for your generosity and support. Thank you for your kindness, encouragement and belief in New Dundee students like me.”  

The Optimist Club of New Dundee is pleased to be able to provide this scholarship to a very deserving candidate who represents the spirit of this award by demonstrating a driving desire to assist others. We wish Sabrina well in her future studies.