Memorial scholarship

Past Winners

2023 - Chase Wendt

2022 - Jon Gorniak

2021 - Mitch Gushulak

2020 - Seba El-Baroudy

2019 - Fraser McLeod

2018 - Ashley Esterby

2017 - Olivia Bell

2016 - Justin Just

2015 - Chris Campbell

2014 - Ilaria Zuzak

On Dec. 20th, 2013, Bonny and I signed an agreement to establish the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship within the Saskatoon Community Foundation.  As stated in the signed document: "Quinn's passing left an obvious void in this world and in the halls at Centennial. To keep his spirit alive at his beloved school, an award has been set up to honour the student that best exemplifies the qualities that made Quinn special. Each year a Legacy Scholarship of $1,500.00 wit! be awarded in Quinn's memory to a Grade 12 graduating student at Centennial Collegiate. If Centennial Collegiate ceases to exist, then the scholarship should continue at ant other Northeast Public High School in Saskatoon."

History

Quinn had deep roots in Centennial Collegiate.  He was involved in high school athletics, and played football in Grades 10 to 12, badminton in Grade 9 and 12, curled on the senior curling team Grades 9 to 11, and played intramural floor hockey.  The History Study Tour Program was a school experience that Quinn truly enjoyed, not only the trip but working with the class for two years. Quinn was a natural leader in life.  His innate leadership skills inevitably led him to be chosen as the Senior Watch in his senior year.  His charismatic personality, the fact that everyone knew and respected him, and his ability to guide the student body, made him a perfect choice.  His main role on the SRC was to coordinate the pep rallies for the student body.  His great sense of humour and the aforementioned qualities made him the right man for the job.

Criteria

• Must be a grade 12 student attending Centennial Collegiate

• Enrolled in a post-secondary education program  for fall of graduating year

• Participated in athletics at the school or community level

• Demonstrate leadership and participation in the school and community

• Show school spirit 

• Live by Centennial’s code of conduct - Honour, Respect and Service

• Demonstrate leadership in more than one area of school life 

• Well known and respected by the student body

Selection Committee

SRC staff representative, Physical Education coordinator, Fine Arts coordinator and Administrator.

2023

Chase Wendt is the 2023 recipient of the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship.  Bonny and I have had the opportunity to present the scholarship to some very upstanding and deserving recipients.  I do think Chase's outgoing personality and leadership skills bear a very close resemblance to Quinn's.  Congratulations Chase, and we hope the scholarship in some way will help you achieve your life goals!

The following is Mr. Aaro's presentation speech to Jon:

"Welcome athletes, coaches, parents, and guardians. 

I have the great pleasure of presenting the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Award. Quinn was a student at Centennial Collegiate where he graduated in 2013. He was involved in many aspects of the school including SRC, football, badminton, and curling. In addition to this, he was very visible around the community participating in hockey and baseball. Quinn passed away in 2013 when he was struck by a drunk driver on his way to work. Although I did not meet Quinn, his legacy is extremely strong at Centennial Collegiate, this community and the impact he left was remarkable. In his honor, a scholarship of $1500 will be awarded to a grade 12 student who exemplifies Quinn’s best qualities.  

I am extremely honored to be presenting this award to a very deserving young man in Chase Wendt. I coached Chase in football at Centennial Collegiate for the past three years and it has been a pleasure to see him grow, mature, and excel not only as an athlete but a young man, leader, student, and a genuinely caring person.  

I first met Chase when he was in grade 8 at Saskatoon Minor Football’s Academy, where he played linebacker. Even at this young age, he was a tireless worker and someone who had the desire to be the best. He asked many questions and showed strong leadership skills amongst many players who were much older than him. Chase has been extremely dedicated to football for many years playing outside of the traditional football season, training in the off season and even coaching younger aged players. He was a captain for the past two years, capping off his grade 12 football season with a Most Valuable Player award. 

Chase was solely a football player here at Centennial Collegiate until his grade 12 year, where he branched out to participate in curling and choir, which made his choir teacher very happy. I will remember singing next to Chase and other members of the football team during the school’s holiday pep rally for many years. Chase’s work ethic is second to none and when you include his ability, dedication, and leadership success will be inevitable.  

Chase has been a very genuine, humble young man since he’s been a Centennial student - what you see is what you get from Chase. He is the type of person who gets excited when other people have success and I think that is why so many of his peers hold him in such high regard. Chase is caring, empathetic, a supportive friend, teammate, classmate, and student. It has been a pleasure coaching and getting know Chase as a Centennial Charger and I’m proud to have played a role in his life. I am excited to continue watching him grow and do remarkable things into his adulthood. Next year Chase will be attending McMaster University in Hamilton and playing football for the Marauders. Congratulations Chase on winning this prestigious award."

2022

Jon Gorniak is the 2022 recipient of the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship.  Congratulations Jon!  As Mr. Jones mentioned, Jon "embodies all of the aspects that made Quinn great".

The following is Mr. Jones's presentation speech to Jon:

"I feel very fortunate to present the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship to Jon Gorniak this year. The scholarship was created and awarded for the 1st time in 2014 in memory of Quinn after he was killed in a car crash during the summer after his graduation. Quinn’s love for athletics, academics, volunteerism and his overall school spirit have been mentioned by teachers that knew him and that presented this award in the past.  The previous recipients have exemplified these characteristics and helped to keep Quinn’s spirit alive at Centennial Collegiate.  Jon is the 8th person to receive this scholarship and he embodies all of the aspects that made Quinn great. 

Jon has excelled athletically since becoming a Charger as he competed in football, badminton, track and field, as well as hockey in the community. Jon is a born competitor and has a certain tenacity that can’t be taught.  He is a coaches dream when it comes to doing what’s best for the team.  He has no problem putting his body on the line and he never lets his ego get in the way. Jon never got complacent and pushed those around him to get better during practice and games. These attributes will bode well next year as Jon will be playing with the Hilltops in the fall. 

Athletic success is not all about physicality and trying to overcome the opposition in the field of play. The mental side of sports is just as important and Jon realized that earlier then most. His ability to understand his responsibilities, his teammates assignments and even the tendencies of the teams we played was remarkable. This only happens when someone values the work behind the scenes and is willing to put in time studying . These same skills are showcased within the classroom as Jon is a model student. His academic success has allowed him to attend the Edwards School of Business next year and with future aspirations of going into Law. 

Beyond the commitments on the field and in the classroom, Jon has found the time to give back to his community as well. He volunteers at his church, works as a guidance counsellor for kids during summer camps and referees hockey. He is also helping coach during our spring camp for football that just ended today. Jon is a well rounded young man, who exudes positivity and the willingness to help others. I am proud of the person he is today and I look forward to the man he will become.   

It is my honor to present Jon Gorniak with the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship. Congratulations Jon, you’ve got a bright future ahead of you."

Jon Gorniak sent us a touching letter (along with grad photo) summarizing his thoughts receiving the Quinn Stevenson Scholarship.

Interesting sidebar from this years awards night at Centennial Collegiate.   Ilaria Zuzak, the first recipient of the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship, is now at teacher at Centennial Collegiate.

2021

Mitch Gushulak is the 2021 recipient of the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship.  We have had the fortune to present past scholarships to someone we know.  This is the case again in 2021.  I (Craig) have coached 'Gush' for the past four baseball seasons.  During this time, we had had the opportunity to get to know Gush and his family very well.  Gush is a very personal guy who gets along with everyone.  He enjoys a numbers of sports, in particular baseball, football, and hockey.  Gush was actively involved with the Student Council at Centennial - as much as COVID would allow.  A example of Gush's great spirit was at a Quinn Stevenson Hockey Day.  Bonny was wrapping packing up things in the vehicle at the end of the day.  Gush without asking told Bonny he and a couple guys would help her carry things out.  It is obvious when you look at these highlights of Gush's life in and outside Centennial, and our personal experiences that he is a most deserving recipient of the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship.

Gush will be attending Kinesiology program at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia on a football scholarship.  We hope that the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship will help Gush realize his young adult dreams.

2020

Seba El-Baroudy is the 2020 recipient of the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship.    With the whole COVID-19 pandemic, there will not be an official presentation of the scholarship to Seba.  Bonny had the opportunity to speak to and congratulate her.  Hopefully we get to meet her in person and get some photos some time in the future.

We were sent Seba's application for the scholarship.  After reading the application, it was apparent that her involvement in school sports, many other non-sport activities, and being an SRC member all years while at Centennial made her a perfect recipient for the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship.

Here is Seba's application:

2019

Fraser McLeod is the 2019 recipient of the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship.  His dad is Don McLeod - a math teacher at Centennial Collegiate who taught both Quinn and Shea.  Fraser was very involved with Centennial activities, was Senior Watch at Centennial, sports-minded, and in so many ways was similar to Quinn.  The following comment from Mr.  Veszi's introduction was what confirmed, for me, how much Fraser embodied Quinn: "I have always admired how he has positive interactions with everyone that comes into his life.  He has a way of being so inclusive that people tend to lower their guards around him because he makes them feel comfortable in their own skin."

Fraser's bio by Mr. Veszi

The Quinn Stevenson Memorial Award – I had the great pleasure of knowing Quinn best when he was our Sr. Watch in his Grade 12 year.  Quinn’s tragic passing because of a drunk driver in 2013 still hits home for many of us – those of us connected in the Charger community still think about him and his family often – and the impact that he left on our school was remarkable.  He was a well-rounded natural leader with a charismatic personality, and in his honor, each year a scholarship of $1500 will be awarded to a grade 12 student who best exemplifies what Quinn was all about.

I am extremely honoured to be up here presenting this award to a very deserving young man in Fraser Mcleod.  I have coached Fraser in soccer at Centennial Collegiate for the past three years and it has been a pleasure to see him grow, mature and excel not only as an athlete but a young man, a leader, a student and a genuinely caring person.

Fraser leads a balanced yet very busy life and is without question the most well-rounded student I have ever known.  He was voted in as the Sr. Watch of our SRC and had the honour of leading and representing the student body. If you asked any teacher or student at our school, they would all agree that he did an outstanding job in this role and made the school a better place for all.

Fraser is also a very gifted athlete that not only participated in many different sports throughout his high school career, but he excelled at them.  His work ethic is second to none and when you include his ability, intellect and leadership successes will follow in many different ways.

Despite all of his ongoing commitments to a variety of activities in and out of school, Fraser still manages to be an outstanding student.  He performs exceptionally well in the classroom and I know that makes both his parents extremely proud.

Fraser is a tireless worker and among all of his achievements, recognition, and successes, he remains very grounded.  Something that I love about Fraser is that he is a humble young man full of appreciation for others.  He is the type of person who gets excited when other people have success and I think that is why so many of his peers hold him in such high regard.  I have always admired how he has positive interactions with everyone that comes into his life.  He has a way of being so inclusive that people tend to lower their guards around him because he makes them feel comfortable in their own skin.  Like Quinn, Fraser truly inspires others to be the best versions of themselves by making the most of every day.  He is such a caring, empathetic and supportive friend, teammate, classmate and student.  He fully embodies what it means to be a Centennial Charger and I feel privileged to have played a role in his life.  I am excited to continue watching him grow and do remarkable things into his adulthood. Next year Fraser will be attending the Edwards School of Business at the U of S and playing soccer for the Huskies.

Congratulations Fraser!

2018

Ashley Esterby is the 2018 recipient of the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship.

Ashley's bio by Kory Dawe

The Quinn Stevenson Memorial Award – I had the great pleasure of knowing Quinn best when he was our Sr. Watch in his grade 12 year.  Quinn’s tragic passing because of a drunk driver in 2013 still hits home for many of us – those of us connected in the Charger community still think about him and his family often – and the impact that he left on our school was remarkable.  He was a well-rounded natural leader with a charismatic personality, and in his honor, each year a scholarship of $1500 will be awarded to a grade 12 student who best exemplifies what Quinn was all about.  We thank all of our applicants and nominees. Tonight’s recipient is ASHLEY ESTERBY.

 I have had the privilege of working alongside Ashley over the past few years at Centennial.  I have witnessed her in action as an SRC member and specifically as a pep rally director this year.  She has had a strong and positive presence on our SRC team and around the school.

 We have also been very impressed by her extensive involvement with our Charger Charity Classic Basketball tournament as an integral volunteer helping with grocery shopping, supply runs, creating team packages, helping with photo shoots and gate, as well as numerous other set-up and take-down responsibilities.  Mrs. Brim and I could always count on Ashley to get things done.  

Ashley is a true team player.  Her work ethic is exceptional and she is details-oriented.  She puts her creative and artistic skills to good work in all that she does – from her academics to her extracurricular and community connections.  She has especially loved working with the FLS students through her SPED class experiences.

 Ashley has enjoyed playing fastball, flag football, badminton, volleyball, and basketball throughout her life and high school experience.  She has given much to Centennial but few know that her volunteer work in the community is also extensive – from Saskatoon Dog Rescue and the Living Skies Wildlife Rehabilitation Center to Telemiracle Radiothons and Relays for Life.  She loves working with children and animals – and like QS, she is a friend to many.  It is with great pleasure that we award this tremendous honor in Quinn Stevenson’s name to Ashley Esterby.  Please join me in thanking her for her contributions.  Best of luck in your future endeavours.

2017

Olivia Bell is the recipient of the 2017 (4th Annual) Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship.  Olivia received a keeper plaque and $1500 to put towards her post-secondary education.  Like all other recipients, Olivia is very deserving of the award.  Olivia was involved in many facets of Centennial, much like Quinn.  Olivia was senior pin, MVP of senior volleyball team, and won charger spirit award for the Centennial basketball team.  She will be attending a university in Maritimes this coming fall on a volleyball scholarship.  Good luck Olivia, and we hope the scholarship in a small way will help her achieve future goals!

2016

Justin Just is the 2016 (3rd) recipient of the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship.  His high school life and Grade 12 was very similar to that of Quinn's, thus the reason he is so deserving of the scholarship.  See attachment below (Chrissy Regier's introductory speech for the scholarship at the Athletic Awards evening) for more information on Justin.  Justin truly embodies all that Quinn was about!

2015

Chris Campbell is the 2nd recipient of the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship!  The 2015 Scholarship was awarded on June 11th, 2015, at the Centennial Collegiate Athletic Awards Banquet.  This year Krissy Regier, one of Quinn's favorite teachers, made the presentation speech to Chris (see below), and Bonny, Shea, and I made the presentations to Chris.  We personally know Chris, and we are confident there is not a better recipient than you.  Chris truly has a lot of similarities to Quinn, and embodies the 'perfect' student for the scholarship.  Like Quinn, Chris is involved in sports, in particular school sport, and overall is involved in the school.  In fact, Chris played on the Senior football team with Quinn during Quinn's Grade 12 year.  Quinn's other connection with Chris was through his sister - Nikki Campbell was a good friend of Quinn's.  Also, Chris is a born leader.  Testament of his leadership skills were very apparent at the Athletics Awards Banquet.  Chris's basketball coach, Corey Dawe, reflected on how Chris contributed to the Senior basketball team on and off the court with his positive attitude and leadership.  Chris's football coach also mentioned Chris's contribution to the Senior football team through leadership as a quarterback and his ability to motivate his teammates.  In so many respects, Chris and Quinn's journey in Centennial Collegiate were so similar.

One thing that personally sticks in our mind with Chris was his quote right after the accident, "God was drafting a baseball team and he needed a pitcher".  This quote is placed front and center on the front page of this web site.  There is a reason for this.  These words so poignantly capture Quinn's life at the time of his passing.  These words, from a young man wise beyond his years, are forever etched in our memory and served as one of the comforting things those first few weeks that let us know that Quinn was OK.

Congratulations Chris!

2014

Ilaria Zuzak is the 1st recipient of the Quinn Stevenson Memorial Scholarship!  Ilaria is a very deserving because like Quinn, she is  focused, driven, and a very active person.  The 2014 Scholarship was awarded on June 12th, 2014, at the Centennial Collegiate Athletic Awards Banquet (see banquet program below).  CBC was on hand at the awards banquet, and posted this article, ran this interview on their evening news (see below), and ran an interview on their morning radio show.