TFS - Canada's International School

TFS 45 This year, the Class of 2023 set a new bar by raising the most funds historically and having the greatest number of families participate, at 77%. In total, $211,069 will be directed towards establishing the Class of 2023 TFS International Entrance Scholarship, the first scholarship of its kind at our school, reserved exclusively for an international student. Funds were also used to support updates to the Level V room and to create the Class of 2023 Endowed Fund, which will live on in perpetuity. THE PRIVILEGE OF EDUCATION The idea for an international scholarship was inspired by a visit to the school by a Class of 2023 parent. Wes Hall – an entrepreneur, business leader, author, founder of BlackNorth Initiative and a dragon on CBC's Dragons' Den – spoke to students during a special assembly at the conclusion of Black History Month about his journey from living in a tin shack in rural Jamaica to being one of the most successful and respected advisors and powerbrokers on Bay Street. Students heard firsthand about the obstacles he faced as a child escaping poverty, and as a Black man seeking to climb the corporate ladder in Canada. "Be intentional," Hall offered as advice to students. "In Jamaica, education is essentially rationed. They don't have enough spaces for all the kids to go to school. So they put you into an exam. But even if you pass, you aren't guaranteed to get into high school. I came to Canada on Friday, September 27, 1985. On Monday, I was in high school. The education you have is absolutely amazing and, in a lot of cases, second to none. Don't take it for granted, but use it to better others, to better your community, to better the country. And if you are intentional, especially about inclusivity and making sure nobody is left behind, we're going to have an amazing society." OPENING NEW DOORS "Wes spoke to me about the role of a scout in sports and how the corporate world could use the same approach. He mentioned how this 'scout' approach is being actively used at Huron University College at Western, tirelessly scouring the planet for students who would otherwise never have the opportunity to reach their full potential," said M. Norman Gaudet, Head of School. "A dream began to form within me of creating a new scholarship here at TFS. I envisioned a scholarship for an international student with dreams and ambitions, yet blocked by personal circumstances," he added. Wes Hall and his wife, Christine, not only embraced the idea but also helped shape the structure of the fund and made a generous donation of $100,000 to make it a reality. When told about it, the Class of 2023 Fund Committee, which had been raising money since the start of the school year, decided to join the cause. At the Head's Dinner celebrating the graduates and their parents, Lisa Erry, Chair of the Class of 2023 Fund Committee, noted how the conversation with M. Gaudet changed the trajectory of fundraising for the Class of 2023 itself. "Thank you Wes and Christine Hall for your generous commitment, and for inspiring us all to think bigger and focus internationally," Ms. Erry remarked. "I also cannot thank my team enough for their commitment, dedication, hard work and perseverance these last few months. You knew this was a bold goal and you went for it. You made this mission impossible a mission possible." "This scholarship will create a new tradition that will continue to impact lives for years to come," said M. Gaudet. "Thank you to the parents of the Class of 2023 for this legacy. May this year's graduating class be forever remembered as its pioneers." The Black Excellence Society meets with entrepreneur and TFS parent Wes Hall on February 13, 2023.

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