Okela Sylvester

Okela Sylvester may well be the most modest winner of an Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame High School Scholarship. Although a three-sport star at Kipling Collegiate, she always deflected the limelight that should shine on her and her two Athlete of the Year awards onto her teammates and classmates. In her own journey and progression as an athlete, she states that it has never been about the wins and losses, but more about the skill development she has learned in each match. Away from the court, she applies this same all-for-one approach to her efforts in the community.

Shanique Peart

Shanique Peart has demonstrated what it takes to be a model student and a talented athlete with a passion for dance. Currently, she is working towards her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance at York University. Over the course of her four years at West Humber Collegiate Institute, she has had the opportunity to take part in a variety of teams such as track and field, wrestling, basketball, and soccer, along with the honor of being the team captain of the WHCI Girl’s Wrestling, Basketball, and Soccer teams. She has achieved awards in all aspects of sports categories, including regional and city championships, rookie achievements, awards designed for the multiple teams, and MVP/MIP awards. Shanique is no longer participating in any competitive sports; her focus is on her studies and perfecting her profession.

Aleiah Torres

Aleiah Torres is proof positive that sport and service to the community can go hand in hand. Her commitment to volleyball is commendable, and her success to this point in her career is cause for celebration. She has accomplished much on the court, as her play has vaulted her into incredible team and individual success. To be a great athlete takes many factors, with confidence and leadership being at or near the top. These attributes are what have also allowed her to make a positive mark with her extracurricular efforts at school and within the community. Volleyball may have opened doors for her, including being recruited to play university ball, but it is her drive to be the best that will set her up for a successful career in the field of her choice.

Sabrina Pontello

Sabrina Pontello, a gifted athlete who has always been open to new challenges in all sports, including activities she was new to like lacrosse and hockey, settled on her first love of volleyball. It was here that she flourished, as first a player and then giving back as a coach. Many leadership and extra-curricular opportunities also came her way, and she embraced them all, finding a genuine love and passion for writing, drama, and all things media. The volleyball court may be secondary as she pursues her dream of a career in the film industry, but do not be surprised if she is on the side of the court as well, mentoring young volleyball players as a coach. In her own words: “If I was granted this scholarship it would help me pay for my tuition and fees. My parents are soon to be supporting both my brother and I in post-secondary education, and he is planning to go to medical school which is another great financial burden.”

Rita Audi

Rita Audi’s heavy commitment to community service and volunteer work saw her take a step back from competitive sport this past year as a high school cross-country athlete, but her desire to continue with individual fitness and growth was as evident as ever by way of her martial arts training. Although she accomplished much with her involvement in school and in the many club programs she joined, her involvement in the community went far beyond the walls of Father John Redmond. The Air Cadet Program has been a constant, where her love for flight has helped mold her into the person she is today. With her sheer drive to be the best she can be, it is certain that she will soar in the future.

Jake Sprenger

Jake Sprenger is a throwback to the Wayne Gretzky approach to sports, athletes that played sports in their natural seasons (i.e., baseball in summer, hockey in winter), and using this approach to further develop their love of the game and skill set in all activities. Once again using the Wayne Gretzky reference, he was a leader on and off the field of play, and did so with class, as indicated by the multiple times he was honored with most sportsmanlike selections. He showed great foresight academically, as he moved on to the University of Toronto for Electrical Engineering after leading the award-winning Engineering Club at Richview as their president. In his own words: “I have worked part-time throughout high school so I will contribute what I can, and I intend to work in the summers so that I can continue to contribute. My parents will also help me to the extent that they can.”

Samuel Conteh

Samuel Conteh’s nomination letter, written on his behalf by a member of ECI’s staff, is so much more than what he has accomplished on the field as a member of the Rams football team. It is about the man he has become, the leadership roles he has embraced, and the future that he is blazing for himself. Whether it is on the football field or among the groups that he has assisted with at school, he has the ability to unite everyone together for the cause at hand and make things brighter for all. He is now following his dream as a member of the University of Toronto Blues football team and creating a life he never knew was possible. He certainly had people cheering for him when he wore ECI’s green and gold, and he is proud to say this support is still alive and well.

Anastasha Gavric

Anastasija Gavric did something that few student-athletes have been able to do when she arrived at Etobicoke Collegiate Institute. She made the Senior Girls Volleyball Team, and even more impressively, stepped on the court as a starter. Her athletic and leadership skills became evident immediately, and she was named captain of the squad in her second year, another rarity. In the classroom, she earned a mark of 97% in the challenging Grade Twelve Leadership class on her way to securing a spot on the honour roll. Her leadership abilities crossed borders, as she became a mentor and coach of the Junior Boys Volleyball Team.

Bennett Grumbach

Bennett Grumbach excelled at many sports, including hockey, soccer, track & field, and volleyball at school, but basketball is his passion, and the sport that he has embraced more so than any other over the last number of years. His move to be a member of the Etobicoke Basketball Association was a fruitful one in 2017, as he led the squad to the provincial championship. His volunteer service is vast, and as you would expect is centered around the sport of basketball.