To encourage academic enthusiasm and community involvement, the TGCA has been awarding scholarships to deserving students of TGCA member parents since 1980. Each summer we open applications to students from local high schools whose parents have contributed to the community in significant ways, and this summer the TGCA looks back at some of the association’s past scholarship recipient experiences, and how the award affected their lives, with a series of questions that these past recipients have kindly agreed to answer for us.
2025 applications are now open until August 20, 2025. To learn more about the TGCA Scholarship and application requirements, please visit the information page here.
If you’re a previous recipient and you’d like to share your story with the community, please contact Vanessa v.gillard@tgcacalgary.com.
Kelly Kaiser – attended John Diefenbaker High School | recipient in 1985
What educational goals were you able to achieve because of the scholarship?
The scholarship helped me with my tuition to U of C and some of the classes I took included German language classes. I lived in Germany for a year, and the classes were fundamental in helping me further with my German language. I continued taking German language classes while in Germany and I was quite fluent when I came home after a year. It was a wonderful experience!
How do you think this type of grass roots initiative affects residents in neighbourhoods like Thorncliffe and Greenview over the long term?
I think it helps students realize that there are financial aids available to enable them to continue their post-secondary education, which they might not otherwise be able to afford.
To give us a timestamp, please tell us what memory sticks out to you about Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association or what was happening in the community around the time you received the scholarship.
During the 1980s, I spent a lot of time at Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association with friends who played sports, especially hockey. My dad, Ken McIvor, was also heavily involved with the community, coaching hockey, running programs and serving as President. I recall volunteering to help with bingos, going for an occasional Sunday skate, and playing racquetball at the community as well. My parents continue to support Thorncliffe Greenview community centre and dine there often, my husband and I join them when we can. Many fond memories continue to be made there!
Dana Parkson – attended James Fowler High School | recipient in 1989
Dana Parkson – attended James Fowler High School | recipient in 1989What educational goals were you able to achieve because of the scholarship?
The education goal I was able to achieve because of the scholarship was a dental assisting diploma from SAIT. I also completed the first 2 years of a Bachelor of Arts degree, which helped me to secure employment. I am now the Program Chair at Columbia College for dental assisting. This scholarship decreased the amount of financial stress with tuition.
How do you think this type of grassroots initiative affects residents in neighborhoods like Thorncliffe and Greenview over the long term?
I find that these grass roots initiatives like this scholarship have a lasting positive impact on the residents of Thorncliffe and Greenview. It shows that the community values education as well as community values. The scholarship can ease the financial burden of families within the community and inspire future students to pursue their educational goals. My parents still live in Thorncliffe, and my son played hockey for McKnight, often in the Forbes Innis arena. I don’t think there is a better definition of community than providing a scholarship to a member.
To give us a timestamp, please tell us what memory sticks out to you about Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association or what was happening in the community around the time you received the scholarship.
I grew up playing ringette in the ‘70s and ‘80s for Thorncliffe Greenview. My mom would pick my brother and me up from school and we would go public skating every day. They moved in to the area because of the community and arena. Forbes Innis was actually driving the Zamboni! My mom would volunteer at the canteen. The mini pizzas were only 50 cents. I attended teen dances in the community hall. I have too many good memories to count.
Briana Trimmer – attended Notre Dame High School | recipient in 2018, 2019
Briana Trimmer – attended Notre Dame High School | recipient in 2018, 2019What educational goals were you able to achieve because of the scholarship?
Receiving this scholarship helped alleviate some of the financial stress of university, enabling me to focus more on my studies. Receiving this scholarship contributed to my ability to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in History in 2023 from Mount Royal University and eventually a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary this spring.
How do you think this type of grassroots initiative affects residents in neighborhoods like Thorncliffe and Greenview over the long term?
I feel this type of grassroots initiative encourages and aids residents of Thorncliffe and the surrounding neighbourhoods to continue their education beyond high school, giving them the ability to give back to their community in the future in unique ways. For example, this past spring, I was able to return to my local elementary school to Guest Teach.
To give us a timestamp, please tell us what memory sticks out to you about Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association or what was happening in the community around the time you received the scholarship.
A memory that sticks out to me about Thorncliffe Greenview community association is attending the annual craft sale each year with my great-grandmother Irene Thom, who was a lifetime member of the community association.