2023 ME & Lau Family Foundation Scholarship
ME & LAU FAMILY FOUNDATION
SCHOLARSHIP Program
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti had been supporting the ME & Lau Family Foundation Scholarship Program since 2019.
ME & LAU FAMILY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS
LUCY CHARLTON, VINAYA SHARMA
& NEHA KASOJU
Left: Councillor Ritch Lau (Markham Ward 2), Gary Lau (On behalf of MPP Billy Peng), Edward Lau (ME & Lau Family Foundation), Vinaya Sharma (Award Recipient - GTA), Lucy Charlton (Award Recipient - York Region), Neha Kasoju (Award Recipient - GTA), Michelle Lau (ME & Lau Family Foundation), Ritu Singarayer (Community Living York South) , MP Paul Chiang (Member of Parliament), Councillor Isa Lee (Markham Ward 8) & John Lau (ME & Lau Family Foundation)
Lucy Charlton - 2023 ME & Lau Family Foundation Scholarship Award Recipient (York Region)
Lucy Charlton is a Grade 12 student from Newmarket. Her passion for supporting the intellectually disabled community stems from her close relationship with her older sister, Abi, who is autistic and intellectually disabled.
Watching her sister navigate the world ignited Lucy's involvement, which includes working as a camp counsellor for neurodivergent youth, initiating an Autism Speaks Canada fundraising walk with her family- raising over $16,000 since the first event in 2021, while also increasing awareness within her school community. Lucy plans to study engineering and business in the fall, remaining committed to fostering compassion and inclusivity for her sister and others like her.
Vinaya Sharma - 2023 ME & Lau Family Foundation Scholarship Award Recipient (GTA)
Vinaya is a builder, tinkerer, and coder interested in Al and blockchain technology. She has a talent for innovation, having developed NLP systems to streamline 911 dispatch and an electric grid simulation software to build a sustainable grid.
Her work has been recognized by the Ingenious + Regional Award and the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing Honorable Mention. Vinaya has placed internationally at DECA ICDC, won several hackathons, and has presented her projects at international conferences like south by south west and C2 Montreal.
Neha Kasoju - 2023 ME & Lau Family Foundation Scholarship Award Recipient (GTA)
Neha is a seasoned leader dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. Serving as the Durham District School Board Student Trustee, she consistently advocates for 79,000+ students and hosts initiatives.
Neha has successfully hosted several Women’s Hygiene Fundraisers and conducted surgical research at the Women’s College Hospital. Her unwavering commitment lies in unlocking the potential within youth, providing them with boundless equitable opportunities. Neha is incredibly thankful and honoured to be receiving the ME & Lau Scholarship!
ME & LAU FAMILY FOUNDATION
SCHOLARSHIP REVIEW COMMITTEES for york region and gta
YORK REGION REVIEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chloe Ho, CA | Eric Fong, CA | Taylor Hui, PhD in Economics | Karen Leung
Edward Lau, M.A. (ME) | Michelle Lau (ME & Committee Chair) | Ritu Singarayer (CLYS)
Ritch Lau (Markham Ward 2 Councillor) | Robin Choy | Catherine Wan, PharmD
GTA REVIEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Agapi Mavridis | Chloe Ho, CA | Eric Fong, CA | Catherine Wan, PharmD
Edward Lau, M.A. (ME) | Michelle Lau (ME & Committee Chair) | Sylvie Labrosse (CLToronto)
Karen Leung, IBI Specialist | Samia Shaheen, MPPA | Taylor Hui, PhD in Economics
CONGRATULATORY LETTERS
photos at the awards presentation
ME & Lau Family Foundation Scholarship
(Greater Toronto AREA)
This project is in partnership with
Community Living Toronto
The ME & Lau Family Foundation Scholarship is to encourage and promote the attainment of higher education goals for individuals with a proven financial need in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
This project is in partnership with Community Living Toronto.
CAD $1,200 Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria:
Any grade 12 student in the Greater Toronto Area who will be attending a post-secondary institution (university or college program) in the fall of 2023.
Family income threshold of CAD $135,000 or below
Application: Click here to fill out an Application Form
Application Deadline: September 30, 2023
Please send your completed application form to Rowan Pruden-Soper at rowan.prudensoper@cltoronto.ca.
ME & Lau Family Foundation Scholarship
(YORK REGION)
This project is in partnership with
Community Living York South
The ME & Lau Family Foundation Scholarship is to encourage and promote the attainment of higher education goals for individuals with a proven financial need in York Region.
This project is in partnership with Community Living York South.
CAD $1,200 Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria:
Any grade 12 student in York Region who will be attending a post-secondary institution (university or college program) in the fall of 2023.
Family income threshold of CAD $135,000 or below
Application: Click here to fill out an Application Form
Application Deadline: September 30, 2023
Please send your completed application form to Kayla Slimkowich kslimkowich@communitylivingyorksouth.ca