Celebrating the Emerging Talents in Sew Fun(d) Round 3

Celebrating the Emerging Talents in Sew Fun(d) Round 3!

We're thrilled to introduce you to four incredible students who have emerged as stars in our latest round of Sew Fun(d). Their passion for fashion, dedication to their communities, and inspiring stories are truly remarkable. Let's get to know them!

Yasmin Elattar: Reigniting Fashion at RC Palmer Secondary

Yasmin Elattar with her teacher Rhiannon Vinining

At RC Palmer Secondary in Richmond, Grade 10 student Yasmin Elattar has been a beacon of inspiration. Her teacher, Rhiannon Vining, praised her by saying, "I believe sewing is where she develops a large part of her self-confidence. It also is an avenue for her to connect with her peers and community." Yasmin led the revival of the school’s fashion club post-COVID, continuously committing to improving her skills while fostering a school-wide Textiles and Fashion community. We're excited to support Yasmin with a new sewing machine and can't wait to see her future creations!

Maya Addison: A Community Champion from Van Tech Secondary

Maya Addison and Van Tech Secondary’s Home Economics teacher Ronda Leung

Grade 10 student Maya Addison from Van Tech Secondary is a force for good. Her application highlighted her extensive community outreach, including volunteering with Khalsa Aid and at a local soup kitchen. According to the Vancouver director of Khalsa Aid Canada, "Maya is a compassionate and generous individual who actively contributes to her community. She consistently proposes new and innovative ideas to support those who are less fortunate." We're proud to empower Maya's creativity with a new sewing machine.

Jacob Tran: The Enthusiastic Creator from North Surrey Secondary

Jacob Tran, Jordana Kokoszka and OSF's MaryAn Webb at North Surrey Secondary

Jacob Tran, a Grade 11 student at North Surrey Secondary, was nominated by his teacher, Jordana Kokoszka. She describes him as a resilient, optimistic, and positive student who is always eager to help. Jacob's enthusiasm for textiles and fashion is evident in his dedication and work ethic. If the sewing lab is open expect to find Jacob sewing away inside! Jordana says, "His enthusiasm for textiles and fashion is very evident in the way he talks about the subject, his work ethic during class, and his eagerness to wear and share his completed projects." We can't wait to see what Jacob creates with his new machine.

Amena Al Ghanem: The Artistic Leader from Frank Hurt Secondary

Amena Al Ghanem at Frank Hurt Secondary

Grade 12 student Amena Al Ghanem from Frank Hurt Secondary not only submitted an application herself but also received a glowing nomination from her best friend, Grace Chan. Grace commended Amena's dedication to the arts and her efforts to encourage others to share her passion. "I've seen firsthand the amount of research, drawing, and hours she spends on her countless fashion and art projects," Grace says. Amena has also started an arts club at her school, recruiting 40 members and helping them with various art and crochet projects. We’re excited to support Amena's journey with a new sewing machine.

Ramya Shah: Finding Connection through Creativity at David Thompson Secondary

Ramya Shah, Julie Blaney and MaryAn Webb at David Thompson Secondary

Ramya Shah, a student at David Thompson Secondary in Vancouver, found solace in sewing after the passing of his grandpa. Inspired by his grandfather’s legacy, Ramya shared, "Anytime I apply my creativity, I can feel his presence with me. Learning how to sew this school year was how I was able to reconnect with him and carry on his legacy of creativity and ingenuity." We congratulate Ramya and look forward to seeing his future creations.

We are immensely proud of these students and their contributions to their schools and communities. Stay tuned to see the amazing projects they will bring to life with their new sewing machines! In the meantime, read more about our Sew Fun(d) scholarship program and find out when the next round of applications will open.