The team at Halwell Dumfries Mutual is dedicated to offering support, whether by assisting our policyholders, engaging with the community, or working together with colleagues to achieve shared goals. As summer 2024 came to a close, we had the pleasure of awarding $1,000 scholarships to five local students. Applicants were asked to respond to the following prompt:
Imagine yourself 10 years from now. What impact do you hope to have on your community, profession, or the world? How will this scholarship assist your strides towards achieving this?
Upon reviewing all the submissions, the HD Mutual Scholarship Review Committee was impressed by how each applicant exceeded expectations in describing the impact they aspire to make in their community, profession, or the world, and how the 2024 HD Mutual Scholarship will support them in achieving their goals. We extend our congratulations to Will G., Duncan M., Abigail M., Emily S., and Domino S. for their success in high school and wish them the best as they embark on their post-secondary journeys!
Will G.
Recently beginning his next chapter across the pond, Will is sure to make a big splash with his four-year program in Sport Management and Coaching. His passion for sports was immediately evident to the Scholarship Review Committee through his submitted presentation. From years of involvement in sports teams to coaching the Junior Boys Soccer Team at his local high school, Will demonstrated that this field is his true calling. He shared both his past experiences and future aspirations, expressing a desire to bring the knowledge he gains abroad back to his hometown. In his presentation, Will shared, “I played many sports as a child, I played hockey for many years and realize how expensive it is and inaccessible it is to many families. On the flip side, soccer is a much more diverse, international, and accessible sport, and I would like to bring back what I learn in England back to Cambridge, ON and continue the growth of soccer.” Here’s to a bright future ahead, Will!
Duncan M.
Impact knows no bounds, and for scholarship winner Duncan, his passion for conservation and the outdoors is where he’s truly focused. This September, Duncan began his studies in a Fish and Wildlife Technician program. His experiences—from working outdoors and serving as a camp counselor to managing operations at an island camp this past summer—have allowed him to explore both the recreational and conservation sides of the natural world. Duncan has big plans to make a personal impact on the environment and hopes to inspire others to do the same. In Duncan’s essay (that he wrote on his phone at the remote camp he worked at this summer!), “I hope to be part of valuable efforts to encourage all people to engage in genuine ways with the natural world. We have all become quite disconnected from nature, despite numerous studies and information that show this connection as being vital for all parts of our well-being. I want to further my practice to better understand how we can conserve and protect the natural world so that everyone can have the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature safely.” We know you’re going to do great, Duncan!
Abigail M.
Abigail has hit the ground running, recently beginning her studies in Social Work. In her essay, she described this career path as an opportunity to create meaningful change. Inspired by her own personal experiences and by witnessing individuals in toxic environments or in need of support, Abigail is driven by a strong desire to make a difference—particularly for those facing homelessness or struggling with mental health and addiction issues. When researching the role that Social Workers play in assisting those who are struggling, Abigail included in her essay that “I see increasing support for the vulnerable and elderly, connecting individuals with mental health issues to effective counselling and advocating for laws and social policies which give equal opportunity for those who are less advantaged as goals I would set for myself.” Her ultimate aim is to work with children in foster care, helping them “find, adapt to and thrive in their forever home.” Great things are ahead for Abigail and our team wishes her all of the best!
Emily S.
From high school and now off to university, where she is pursuing a degree in Biochemistry, Emily is determined to make a significant impact in the healthcare field. Growing up, Emily always knew she wanted to help people, but it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that her path became clearer. During the crisis, as hospitals exceeded capacity, she recognized the diverse approaches within medicine. Emily now dreams of one day opening her own naturopathic clinic to assist those in need through a natural medicine approach. In her presentation, she expressed frustration at seeing so many people with “unanswered health questions,” which led her to realize the need for a new stream of healthcare. Having navigated her own unique health journey for most of her life, Emily is deeply passionate about supporting others, and we have no doubt that she will excel in whatever she pursues.
Domino S.
Domino has just begun her post-secondary journey in college, studying General Arts and Science as she works toward shaping her future career. Her goal is to refine her skills, clarify her path, and identify where her strengths can best be applied as she plans her next steps. During a visit to HD Mutual’s Sheffield office, Domino’s energy was infectious. A natural leader with outstanding interpersonal skills, she impressed the team with her community involvement, from volunteering at local events to participating in school and sports clubs. Domino shared with the scholarship committee that throughout high school, she embraced leadership opportunities whenever they arose. Applying this same confidence to her post-secondary studies, she made it clear that “a good work position has to be earned, and I am more than willing to put in the work to be successful for my family.” With her determination and drive, Domino has a bright future ahead.
Today’s youth have the power to drive significant change. They are strong, tenacious, and creative problem-solvers with a deep commitment to improving the world for those around them. Our 2024 Halwell Dumfries Mutual Scholarship winners exemplify the drive and passion needed to make a real difference. We thank them for sharing their stories and look forward to following their exciting journeys.
Know a student that’s heading to post-secondary in 2025? Keep an eye out for our scholarship program updates on our social media – Summer 2025!
