Richard Bilkszto Award and Scholarship Now Accepting Applications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, ON – The Richard Bilkszto Award and Scholarship are now accepting applications. The Richard Bilkszto Award of $500 will recognize an educator who exemplifies the qualities that Richard embodied: a dedication to excellence in education, a commitment to equality of opportunity, and a devotion to his students and their well being. In a similar vein, the Richard Bilkszto Scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded to an undergraduate who is accepted at Teachers’ College in Ontario, and who seeks to further the ideals of freedom of expression, equality of opportunity, fairness, the merit principle, and a commitment to excellence in education.
“With these awards, we hope to recognize achievement and inspire future leaders in the education profession, both of which were very important causes for Richard,” said Natasha Mansouri, Chair of the Board of Friends of Richard Bilkszto, a registered Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporation which is administering the scholarship.
All of the Board directors knew Richard personally and are committed to preserving his memory. “Richard Bilkszto was a treasured friend and educator who left an unforgettable impact on countless lives. His legacy of kindness and inspiration continues to resonate deeply with me,” said Board director Anthony Furey.
Richard was a Canadian educator who dedicated 24 years of his life to the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). He passionately pursued his commitment to education and positively impacted the thousands of students who passed through the schools where he served as a beloved principal. Richard dedicated himself to assisting marginalized and struggling students from diverse backgrounds and age groups, exemplified by his leadership in the Toronto chapter of the non-profit Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR). He tragically passed away in July 2023, and these awards have been established to honour his legacy.
Applications and third-party nominations will be accepted until March 15, 2024, with the award and scholarship to be presented in April of this year. Donations to the scholarship and award fund can be made through GoFundMe and information on submitting an application can be found on the website at richardbilkszto.ca.
For all media inquiries please contact:
Tasha Kheiriddin
Board Director, Friends of Richard Bilkszto
tasha.kheiriddin@rogers.com