Jonanna Okore told The Camera, “I am so excited to be the recipient of the Scarborough Caribbean Sports Club (SCSC) Award as they mark their 40th year of serving the community.”
Okore, a first-year student at George Brown-Ryerson University pursuing a degree in early childhood education, penned in her winning scholarship essay about a passion for working with children.
As a member of the Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough for 14 years, she attributes her personal and academic success to the program that she attended and the opportunities that were provided that supported her goals.
“I am actively involved in my community. Even though I am busy with my school schedule I have found the time to develop a Dance and Discussion Group for young Black women that focuses on personal growth and positive self-image.
“My volunteer work as a peer tutor, violence prevention facilitator and youth volunteer has positively impacted my course of study,” Okore added.
She is one of the success sorties emanating from the SCSC since their first dinner dance was held in 1975 at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, Midland and Sheppard.
The packed crowd at St. Peter and Paul Banquet Hall last Saturday enjoyed excellent food lovingly prepared and professionally presented with great variety and plenty of it. Those events over the years have provided a warm and inviting ambience that’s created great friendships, some marriages and, of course, the scholarships.
President Sheldon John noted, “Today is a tribute to those pioneering members, many of whom are present on this occasion. And the precious spirit focused efforts beyond soccer into other sports, from sports to social engagements, to cultural participation, to our annual dinner and dance.”
Among their list of accomplishments:
• Awarding several bursaries and continuing to do so to various members in the community.
• In 1981 SCSC developed the SCSC Basketball house league comprising integrated male and female players on the teams, the first of its kind in Toronto.
• SCSC MasBand joined with Arnold Hughes to win Caribana Band of the Year in 1987.
• SCSC kiddies dominated Caribana kiddies Carnival in the late 1980’s to mid 1990’s.
• 2008 SCSC MasBand won band of the year in “B” Category.