YMCA of Niagara Celebrates 2026 Bursary and Scholarship Recipients

The YMCA of Niagara is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 Bursaries and Scholarships, recognizing four Niagara students whose leadership, volunteerism, and meaningful contributions to their communities reflect the values at the heart of the YMCA.

Made possible through the generosity of donors, the YMCA’s annual bursaries and scholarships help remove financial barriers to post-secondary education while recognizing young people who are making a difference in their schools and communities. Each award honours the legacy of community leaders whose dedication to the YMCA and to helping young people continues to create opportunities for future generations.

“These bursaries and scholarships are about more than helping students with the cost of post-secondary education,” said Jonna Wolfenberg, Manager, Donor Engagement and Stewardship at YMCA of Niagara. “They represent the lasting impact of donors who believe in the potential of young people. Each recipient has already demonstrated a strong commitment to serving others, and we’re proud to support them as they take the next step in their educational journey.”

–Jonna Wolfenberg, Manager, Donor Engagement and Stewardship

Noureldin Rashed

Recipient, Frank McNeil Youth Bursary

Noureldin will begin studying Physical Education at Brock University this fall. A dedicated volunteer with more than 500 hours of community service, he supports his community through Peace Mosque in Niagara Falls, coaches younger soccer players, and demonstrates leadership both in sport and in service.

Reflecting on Noureldin’s growth, his teacher Joseph Zelic shared, “Watching his character growth over the years has been one of the joys of my career.”

Aya Hassan

Recipient, Savoia Scholarship

Aya will study Biology at the University of St. Thomas this fall, pursuing a career in optometry and public health. Through advocacy, mentorship, and community initiatives, she has championed equity, amplified youth voices, and created opportunities for others to succeed.

Dr. Tapo Chimbganda, Founding Executive Director of Future Black Female, described Aya’s approach to leadership, saying, “Aya’s leadership is grounded in action. She does not wait to be directed but instead identifies where she can contribute meaningfully and steps forward to do so.”

Nolan Grealy

Recipient, Walter Oprzedek Youth Bursary

Currently studying Commerce at the University of Guelph, Nolan has demonstrated leadership through volunteer coaching, community service, athletics, and a lifelong connection to the YMCA. His dedication to mentoring younger athletes and giving back to his community reflects the spirit of the Walter Oprzedek Youth Bursary.

His rugby coach, Clayton Gillis, described Nolan as “the type of quiet leader who takes care of his responsibilities without question or complaint and sets a very high standard for himself that others will follow.”

Mahek Rahman

Recipient, Butz Family Scholarship

Mahek will begin the Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences program at McMaster University this fall. A passionate advocate for inclusion and educational equity, she has founded student-led initiatives, mentors younger students, and independently tutors girls in Bangladesh while balancing work, school, and family responsibilities.

Laura Secord Secondary School Principal Tracy Sacco described Mahek as “a thoughtful, driven, and quietly impactful young leader.”

The YMCA of Niagara congratulates Noureldin, Aya, Nolan, and Mahek on this well-deserved recognition and thanks the donors whose generosity continues to create opportunities for young leaders across Niagara.