The Robert Brooks Scholarship Fund Board of Governors are pleased to announce the 2021 recipients of it's annual bursary to support students who have excelled in both academics and squash. After deliberating on a number of very strong applicants, the two students receiving bursaries this year are Firdaus Shallo and Christopher Kirollos.
Squash Ontario juniors have a long tradition of excelling both on and off the court and we are very proud of all of our graduating juniors that have gone on to represent the province at the highest levels of collegiate squash both domestically and abroad. Good luck to everyone pursuing post-secondary education in September and congratulations to both Firdaus and Christopher!
ABOUT FIRDAUS
Firdaus Shallo is a player from Urban Squash Toronto and will be attending Middlebury College in Vermont in the Fall. She plans on studying international relations and computer science as well as playing on their varsity squash team. She’s been an active volunteer and leader in her both the Urban Squash Toronto and Squash Ontario communities, and plans to keep giving back to Urban Squash programs near her new school.
“I met Rob Brooks in grade 7 through Urban Squash Toronto. At the time, I was unaware of the impact he had on the community. It was not until I trained, talked, and interacted with him over the years to understand why he was a gem. Not only is Rob selfless, but he is an instrumental leader in the development of junior squash in Ontario. He is always there to lend an extra hand, and his expertise in the sport is like no other. I have never met a person so passionate about junior squash, and I am blessed to have him as a mentor figure in my life. It is truly an honour to receive this scholarship, and it is extra special knowing that it comes from Rob and his family. Now, I hope to use what Rob has taught me as I go off to College. I can't wait to see what is in store!" - Firdaus
ABOUT CHRISTOPHER
Christopher Kirollos is a player from Life Time Athletic Mississauga and will be on his way to the University of Ottawa to pursue studies in their French immersion political science and law program. Christopher has fond memories of bringing his homework to squash tournaments and league matches and is looking forward to becoming a certified coach to teach squash to the next generation of youth. He gives credit to his coaches for helping him excel in both school and squash, supporting a strong work ethic.
"It is such an honour to be chosen to receive this bursary. It is a special thing to receive this scholarship for the sport I have dedicated countless hours to. Squash has been a huge part of my life for the past 5 years and to see it payoff in a way that will tangibly benefit both my post-secondary education and squash, is extremely rewarding. Talking with Rob Brooks about receiving the bursary, you can just tell how much he loves the game and how much he wants to support Ontario players. Rob has kept this bursary going for many years now, so it's evident how committed he is to supporting Ontario squash players and their success. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and will surely make the most of it." - Christopher
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
The Robert Brooks Bursary was established by the Braff Family and Friends to offer financial support to Ontario grade 12 students who have excelled in both school and squash. The successful recipients of the Scholarship are individuals (one male and one female) who continually show passion and sportsmanship, both on and off the court, and who are entering higher education (college or university). Successful recipients have also demonstrated a long time commitment to the programming of Squash Ontario. This bursary provides at least $850.00 to each recipient who will have been accepted for continuing education in an accredited college or university.
PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS
ALESSIA FERRIS AND BEHRAD HAGHIGHI (2020)
MARLOW BENSON AND NEEL ISMAIL (2019)
CATHERINE GIACHINO AND ELLIOTT HUNT (2018)
ALEX COLLINS, JACKSON KAY, HEATHER MCLACHLAN, AMY COMMISSO (2017)
ALEX RIEDELSHEIMER (2016)
JORDAN MCLACHLAN (2015)
MATTHEW HAFFEY (2013)
NICHOLAS PAVICIC (2012)