2024 Canadian Grenadier Guards Foundation Scholarship Recipients

On behalf of the entire Regimental Family, it is my honor to announce the 2024 Canadian Grenadier Guards Foundation Scholarship Recipients.

This initiative, launched three years ago, was created to provide scholarships to deserving members of the Regiment, the Association, their immediate family members, and the 2709 CGG Guards Cadets Corps (Company).

Through this scholarship program, the Foundation serves our country, our veterans, and their families.

2024 marks our second year of awarding scholarships and the Foundation is committed to continuing this impactful program for years to come. None of this would be possible without the generous financial support of our donors.

Please give generously.

 

Donate – The Canadian Grenadier Guards

 

A Heartfelt Thank You

The Foundation extends its gratitude to all those who made individual donations to support the scholarship program. These generous donors include members of the Regimental Family as well as Friends of the Regiment. Your support highlights how crucial this program is to the success of our community.

We encourage everyone to consider supporting the 2025 scholarship program. Together, we can continue offering financial assistance to deserving youth—our leaders of tomorrow.

Acknowledging the Scholarship Committee

The success of this program would not be possible without the dedication of the Scholarship Committee, whose members have worked tirelessly on recommendations and funding proposals:

• Chair: Colonel Michael Canavan, CD, retired
• Vice-Chair: Major Vincent Gagnon, CD, representing the serving battalion
• Members:
  • Sergeant Eric Washburn, CD, representing the Guards Club
  • Major Andrea Laizner, CD, SSSt.J., RN PhD, retired
  • Corporal Geneviève Ducharme, representing the Association
• Administrative Support: Major Brian B. Tracey, MMM, CD, retired, Regimental Secretary

Thank you for your dedication and hard work!

2024 Scholarship Recipients

The Guardsman Basil Leblanc Scholarship

For serving members of The Canadian Grenadier Guards and their dependents.

Corporal Gregory Tselis
Studying full-time at the University of Prince Edward Island for a Bachelor of Education. Currently posted to The Prince Edward Island Regiment (RCAC).
Award: $1,500
Quote:

“Thank you so much. This scholarship from the Regimental Family makes me feel so honored to be a Grenadier. This program has its challenges, but with the Regiment’s support, I know I will succeed. Up the Guards!”

 

Guardsman Emmanuelle Daoust
Studying full-time at McGill University in a Bachelor of Arts and Science, specializing in Cognitive Science (a combination of neuroscience and psychology).
Award: $1,000
Quote:

“I greatly appreciate receiving this scholarship since it will help alleviate the financial burdens of being a full-time university student. This will allow me to focus more on my studies and, eventually, apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to give back to my community.”

 

The JF Young VC Scholarship

For education in health sciences, post-secondary, or trade courses for the Regimental Family.

Callista Partsafas
First-year Law student (LLB) at Durham University, United Kingdom. Daughter of Corporal Haridimos Partsafas, a serving member of the Battalion.
Award: $1,500
Quote:

“This scholarship means a great deal to me, as it helps me focus on my studies and honor my father’s service with The Canadian Grenadier Guards.”

 

 

Maria Irene Spanos
Third-year Nursing student at Vanier College. Daughter of Colour Sergeant Kamarinos Spanos, CD, a serving member of the Battalion.
Award: $1,000
Quote:

“This scholarship is a great opportunity for students like me to be recognized for our hard work and commitment to our studies. Thank you so much!”

The Canadian Grenadier Guards Association Veteran Family Scholarship

For veterans who served with The Canadian Grenadier Guards and their dependents.

Robyn Clarkson
Studying Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Management Economics and Finance at the University of Guelph. Daughter of Master Corporal Robert Clarkson, retired, a member of the Association.
Award: $1,500
Quote:

“I am deeply honored to have been selected as a recipient of this scholarship. My father served with the Canadian Grenadier Guards from 1988 to 1992, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to dedicate this award to my education in his honor and as a tribute to all those who bravely served to protect our freedom.”

Brady Sanders
Studying Bachelor of Arts with a major in Governance, Leadership and Ethics. at the University of Western Ontario, Huron University College. Son of Corporal Ivan Tabac, retired, a member of the Association.
Award: $1,000
Quote:

“I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been awarded this scholarship.  This support not only eases the financial burden of my education it also inspires me to strive for excellence in my studies and future endeavor’s.  Thank you for your generosity and commitment to supporting student’s like me.  Your contribution makes a profound difference, and I am truly appreciative”.

 

 

Noah Varvarikos
Studying at John Abbott College in the Social Science program, in Psychology. Son of Colour Sergeant Tasso Varvarikos, retired, a member of the Association
Award: $1,000
Quote:

“Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me.  It will give me the freedom to pursue my studies while maintaining the rigor that isn’t available to many students, while also being capable of balancing extracurricular activities”.

 

The Terry Whitty Scholarship

For members of The Canadian Grenadier Guards 2709 Cadet Corps (Company).

Officer Cadet Auriane Thilloy
Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Physics at Université de Montréal, specializing in astronomy and astrophysics, with research on supermassive black holes.
Award: $1,500
Quote:

“Since age 13, the Royal Canadian Army Cadet program, serving with the 2709 Guards Company, has been a source of personal growth and self-improvement, continually encouraging me to push my limits. This inspiration led me to pursue graduate studies in Astronomy and Astrophysics while remaining committed to the cadets. I feel reassured and grateful to receive this scholarship, which provides financial support to make my goals more tangible and accessible.”

 

Congratulations to all the 2024 Scholarship Recipients!

Sincerely,

Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Gourdji, MSC, CD, retired

Chair, Canadian Grenadier Guards Foundation