News from 2020

“He always said he had more backing-up experience than going forward prior to getting his AZ license”, said Matthew in his application essay. Matthew is studying for a degree in Mathematics at the University of Waterloo, and also says that regardless of what industry he works in, he would like to “have the dedication and work ethic” that he sees in his father.

 

The OTA Professional Driver Memorial Scholarship recognizes the hard work, dedication and professionalism of all Ontario truck drivers, and honours the memory of those who have lost their lives while driving on-the-job.

 

The OTA Allied Trades University Scholarship was awarded to Mallory Haggith who just started her third year at Ottawa’s Carleton University where she is enrolled in the Bachelor of Global and International Studies (BGInS) Program with a specialization in Global Law and Social Justice. Mallory hopes to obtain a Bachelor’s degree with distinction and then pursue a Master’s degree. Mallory has been accepted to study at Macquarie University in Sydney Australia in 2021, and would ultimately like to pursue a career with the Canadian Government in National Defence.

 

The OTA Allied Trades College Scholarship was awarded to Autum McDougald-Ashby who recently started her second of a four-year Bachelor of Design program at Conestoga College in Kitchener. Autum aspires to become a graphic designer for organizations, like the Clearwater Marine Rescue Centre in Florida, that seek to care for distressed marine animals. She also plans to continue volunteering for the Guelph Food Bank where, as their social media marketer, she continues to add to her portfolio while assisting the organization.

 

The OTA Allied Trades Scholarships are awarded annually to one university and one college student, each of whom has completed at least one year of post-secondary education, and who has demonstrated a strong commitment to his/her academic performance.

 

The OTA Education Foundation’s Endowed Scholarship program is funded entirely by one-time contributions by the organizations for which the scholarships are named. The eligibility and assessment criteria are determined jointly between the endowed fund contributors and the Foundation, who also administers the scholarship program.

Outside the classroom, Stephanie has served as an ambassador for the YMCA Young Leaders, and spent more than 200 hours orchestrating her own guide dog campaign – which has educated 3,000-plus staff and students in Halton on guide dog etiquette – after her best friend lost her eyesight. Stephanie plans to pursue a career in anxiety and degenerative brain disease research, and ultimately would like to provide support to third-world countries through research and awareness about mental health.

 

“We are extremely pleased to be supporting Stephanie’s educational pursuits through this scholarship, which was established in memory of my father, who contributed immensely to the Ontario trucking industry through his natural leadership abilities”, says Scott Smith, president of JD Smith and Sons. “Stephanie’s leadership initiatives – both in and outside of school – exemplify what this scholarship is all about, and we wish Stephanie success in her future educational and personal endeavours”.

 

Awarded for the first time in 2008, the J. D. Smith and Sons “Leaders of Tomorrow” Scholarship recognizes one university student who is the child of a parent who works in the Ontario trucking industry, and demonstrates exemplary leadership qualities through undertakings in his/her community, school, or other volunteer work.

 

The OTA Education Foundation’s Endowed Scholarship program is funded entirely by one-time contributions by the organizations for which the scholarships are named. The eligibility and assessment criteria are determined jointly between the endowed fund contributors and the Foundation, who also administers the scholarship program.

Kayleigh served as the president of her school’s Me-to-We Club, in addition to serving on the Northern Cancer Foundation Youth Advisory Council and the Science North Teen Advisory Group. More recently, Kayleigh has been trained to be a Brain Companion Student Volunteer, in addition to training to be part of the Covid-19 Response team as a Friendly Caller Volunteer. Kayleigh aspires to become an HR Director, and is driven to ensure that all members of the organization “feel motivated and supported” while achieving company objectives. Kayleigh believes that the success of any organization is a reflection of its people.

 

“We feel fortunate to be able to assist deserving students with this annual scholarship opportunity and are extremely pleased that the 2020 recipient, like others in the past, embodies the core values that drives all of us at Bison”, says Rob Penner, Bison Transport’s president and CEO. “Kayleigh’s demonstrated commitment to her community, along with her passion for and educational focus in the field of HR make her an ideal recipient for this year’s Bison Transport scholarship”.

 

The Bison Transport Scholarship is awarded to one post-secondary student who demonstrates an exemplary commitment to his/her academic studies as well as community service, and who is enrolled in full time studies in Transportation, Logistics, Human Resources, or Business at a recognized university or college in Canada.

 

The OTA Education Foundation’s Endowed Scholarship program is funded entirely by one-time contributions by the organizations for which the scholarships are named. The eligibility and assessment criteria are determined jointly between the endowed fund contributors and the Foundation, who also administers the scholarship program.

“Grace embodies all that our company and this scholarship stand for, and we feel privileged in many ways to be able to help educate an individual who is already an asset to her community”, says Wendell Erb, president and CEO at the Erb Group of Companies.

 

“From the time my late father began the business in the 1950s, there has always been an emphasis on giving back, and we continue to contribute to local charitable, sporting, religious, and social organizations” continued Erb. “We believe that Grace, along with past and future recipients of this scholarship will enjoy success as a result of their volunteering efforts to support their communities”.

 

Established in 2007, the Erb Group of Companies “Service to Community” Scholarship is awarded to a first-year post-secondary student enrolled in a recognized college or university who demonstrates a commitment to his/her community, through his/her involvement in community and/or charitable volunteer work.

 

The OTA Education Foundation’s Endowed Scholarship program is funded entirely by one-time contributions by the organizations for which the scholarships are named. The eligibility and assessment criteria are determined jointly between the endowed fund contributors and the Foundation, who also administers the scholarship program.

“We are continually amazed at the quality of applicants we have each and every year for these four prestigious scholarships that include assessment criteria that go well beyond academic achievements”, said Betsy Sharples, executive director of the OTA Education Foundation. The scholarships are awarded to students who exhibit an impressive balance between academic performance, service to community, and strong personal values.

 

“Equally impressive is the fact that in addition to extra-curricular commitments to community and personal growth, academically speaking, this year’s winners graduated from high school with average grades that ranged from 86% to 98%”, continued Sharples.

 

The JO Goodman, Bud Barr, and George P. Ledson Scholarships are awarded to first-year university applicants, while the CV Hoar Scholarship is awarded to a first-year college applicant.

 

The JO Goodman Scholarship was awarded to Liliana Austin of Brampton, Ontario. Her application was sponsored by PGL Truck Centre., where Liliana’s mother has worked in administration for 17 years. Graduating with the second-highest average in her class, Liliana is most proud of her contributions as a Teen Mentor, a Peer Tutor, and the founder of a French reading program. She is enrolled in biomedical sciences at the University of Ottawa.

 

The Bud Barr Scholarship was awarded to Stephanie Evans of Burlington, Ontario. Her application was sponsored by Canada Cartage, where Stephanie’s father, a senior director of business development, has been employed for 15 years. Stephanie is pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science degree (Life Sciences) at McMaster University, after which her next goal is to attain a PhD in Neuroscience, and to become a mental health advocate.

 

The George P. Ledson Scholarship was awarded to Sarah Johnson of Thorold, Ontario. Her application was sponsored by Paddock Transport International., where Sarah’s father has been employed as an AZ driver for 12 years. As a child, Sarah accompanied her father on trips, during which Sarah learned to appreciate the job of her father and other drivers. Sarah is enrolled in the Medical Professional Stream at Trent University, where she is studying for a Bachelor of Science degree.

 

The CV Hoar Scholarship was awarded to John Fitzgibbon Campbell of Waterdown, Ontario. His application was sponsored by Trimac Transportation, where John’s father, an area manager, has been employed for 21 years. John is studying television and film production at Fanshawe College.

 

All scholarship recipients are selected from qualifying applications from students who are entering their first year of post-secondary studies at public universities or colleges. In addition to the Goodman, Barr, Ledson, and Hoar scholarships, 34 general university and college scholarships for 2020 were previously awarded to students who submitted applications sponsored by Ontario-based trucking and allied trade companies where applicants’ parents work.

 

General scholarships, including the Goodman, Barr, Ledson, and Hoar scholarships, are funded by annual donations, which, in large part, come from Ontario trucking and allied trades companies. The number of scholarships awarded each year is dependent on the amount that the Foundation receives in donations. For more information on the Foundation or to make a donation, go to: www.otaef.com.

 

The J.O. Goodman Scholarship is named for Joe Goodman, who for 44 years was Senior Staff Executive of the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA).  He served as the Foundation’s Executive Director from its beginning in 1958 until 1978.

 

The Bud Barr Scholarship is named for William (Bud) Barr, who served as the Foundation’s Executive Director from 1992 to 2005, following his retirement from a long career in the Ontario trucking industry. The scholarship honours the memory of Bud Barr, who passed away in 2009.

 

The George P. Ledson Scholarship is named for George Ledson, who until his resignation in 2015, served as a director on the Foundation’s board for 20 years.

 

The C. V. Hoar Scholarship is named for Charles Hoar, who is one of the founding members of the OTA Education Foundation and who led the Foundation into its current form when he helped establish the J.O. Goodman Awards in 1979.

The scholarship will be managed and offered through the OTA Education Foundation and awarded annually using criteria established by the Foundation in conjunction with Omnitracs.

 

“Mike played a significant role in the progression of the Canadian trucking industry for nearly 30 years. He had a passion for people and an unmatched ability to serve the needs of customers.  In addition to being a leader, mentor, and trusted advisor, he was also a caring and compassionate friend,” said Ray Greer, CEO of Omnitracs. “Mike will always be remembered for his commitment and dedication to serve the Canadian trucking community. On behalf of the Omnitracs family, we’re honored to establish this scholarship in memory of a man who gave so much to an industry he loved.”

 

Mike always believed in doing the right thing and constantly reminded those around him to “take the high road”. While he will be greatly missed by all who knew him, the legacy he left behind will last for years to come.

 

To complement the announcement of the scholarship, Three of Mike’s friends and industry peers – Norm Sneyd, Dan Einwechter and Scott Smith – joined the Canadian Trucking Alliance’s Dispatches podcast to reminisce about Mike’s amazing life, his impact on the industry and the value of having champions like Mike support the Alliance. Listen or download the podcast on iTunes, Google Play or Soundcloud.

 

In recognition of the impact Mike had, several close industry friends topped up Omnitracs’s contribution to the fund to meet the Foundation’s minimum requirement for endowed scholarships.

 

“Mike was very big on education and believed in young people,” said Sneyd, who recently retired as VP of business development with Bison Transport. “Mike realized that young folks were the new leaders and it was important to mentor, coach, and value them along their respective journeys.”

 

Mike would be thrilled knowing he was instrumental in helping young people pursue their education goals as a result of this scholarship, added Einwechter, CEO of Challenger Motor Freight.

 

“Establishing a scholarship in Mike’s memory is an extremely fitting way to honour him. Mike understood the value of a post-secondary education and loved taking new grads to the next level of learning.”

 

Those who would like to make a donation to the Foundation in Mike’s memory can contact Betsy Sharples, executive director of the OTA Education Foundation at info@otaef.com.

Mike was the 2018 recipient of the prestigious OTA-Omnitracs Service to Industry Award. Click here to see the commemorative video.

General applicants must meet all eligibility criteria, which includes having the application sponsored by an Ontario trucking or trucking services/supply company that employs or contracts a parent of the applicant. Students must also submit their applications by the deadline of July 15^th in order to be considered.

 

Students who have applied for scholarships in past years will immediately see that the process for this year’s applications has been modified in response concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications received solely by electronic means for this year are acceptable. In prior years, hard-copies of original signed applications had to be sent to the Foundation.

 

Students entering their first year of post-secondary directly from high school are eligible to apply for the J.O. Goodman, the Bud Barr, George P. Ledson, or the C.V. Hoar Awards. While the same application form can be used, there are additional requirements. Applicants are assessed on criteria which include academic achievement, service to community, and participation in extra-curricular activities. Winners for these awards are chosen by the Foundation's Selection Committee.

 

The Student Scholarship Application Package for the 2020/2021 academic year contains complete information and instructions, along with all the necessary fillable forms for the general scholarships.

 

Endowed Scholarships also available

 

Post-secondary students are also urged to take a look at the scholarship opportunities under the Foundation’s endowed scholarship program. These scholarships have been established by trucking and service supply companies through endowments that are managed by the Foundation, and reflect the priorities and values of the companies that established them.

 

The deadline for completed applications for endowed scholarships is also July 15^th. Students can apply for as many scholarships as they want, and are eligible to receive more than one. Application forms for the following endowed scholarships are available at http://otaef.com/scholarshipEndowed.html:

 

Bison Transport Scholarship: Awarded to a full-time student enrolled in a recognized Transportation, Logistics, Human Resources or Business program at a Canadian University or College.

 

The Erb Group of Companies "Service to Community" Scholarship: Awarded to a first-year post-secondary student enrolled in a recognized college or university, who demonstrates a commitment to his/her community, through his/her involvement in community and/or charitable volunteer work.

 

J.D. Smith & Sons “Leaders of Tomorrow” Scholarship: Awarded to a university student who demonstrates a commitment to his/her community, school or other volunteer undertaking while demonstrating exemplary leadership qualities.

 

OTA Allied Trades Scholarships: Awarded to one university student and one college student, who have completed at least one year of post-secondary education, and who has demonstrated a strong commitment to his/her academic performance.

 

OTA Professional Driver Memorial Scholarship Award: Awarded in the memory of a true truck hero, David Virgoe, who lost his life in a crash caused by street racers, for children of Ontario truck drivers who are killed or seriously injured on the road.

 

General scholarships (including the J.O. Goodman, Bud Barr, George P. Ledson, and C.V. Hoar awards) are funded by annual donations, which, in large part, come from Ontario trucking and allied trades companies. To download the application package or to make a donation, go to www.otaef.com.

 

Endowed scholarships are funded by the companies that established them. Recipients are chosen by the Foundation's Selection Committee.