At TRREB, we believe in the power of education and the importance of supporting the next generation. Our Past President’s Scholarship awards reflect this commitment, providing talented secondary school students with the financial assistance they need as they pursue higher education.
Since 2007, 81 students have received a total of $286,500 in TRREB scholarships to help them take meaningful steps toward their goals.
This year, we are proud to welcome eight new recipients. Each student was selected based on a compelling essay exploring issues shaping the real estate industry today. From engineering and environmental planning to business and computer science, they represent a wide range of interests and ambitions.
The first-place winners, Akishai Sabaratnasarma and James Thomas, each received $5,000.
Akishai will study Software Engineering at the University of Waterloo. He’s led hackathons, launched nonprofits, and conducted research at the University of Toronto. He plans to build a start-up focused on housing, infrastructure, and traffic solutions.
James is entering Environmental Planning at the University of Waterloo. He’s passionate about how cities are designed and how transportation systems shape daily life. James hopes to help create more sustainable and better-connected communities.
The second-place winners, Matthew Luke and Zaima Dewan, received $2,500 each.
Matthew will study engineering at Western University with Ivey Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO) status. He’s a competitive track and field athlete and volunteers as a coach with younger athletes. He also enjoys the outdoors and listening to music.
Zaima is graduating from the Talented Offerings for Programs in the Sciences (TOPS) program at Bloor Collegiate Institute and will attend the University of Toronto for Engineering Science. She’s interested in how design and technology improve quality of life. Zaima looks forward to building solutions that help people and communities thrive.
Our third-place winners, Aliya Arnette and Kaydan Gupta, received $2,000 each.
Aliya is studying Management and International Business with Co-op at the University of Toronto. She’s a swim instructor, volunteer, and youth advocate with an interest in launching her own real estate-focused business. Aliya also enjoys journaling, snowboarding, and listening to podcasts.
Kaydan will pursue studies in finance and law at Queens University with a focus on responsible development. He aims to create accessible housing and innovative workspaces that support long-term community growth. Kaydan is passionate about combining business, policy, and purpose.
The fourth-place winners, Michal Ilyayev and Sanford Purdon, received $1,500 each.
Michal will study Computer Science at McMaster University. She is developing a student-focused rental platform and leads a nonprofit supporting paediatric oncology patients. Michal is also active in school leadership, the arts, and competitive swimming.
Sanford will study Kinesiology at the University of Guelph-Humber. He’s a Big Brother mentor, Honour Roll student, and athlete who hopes to bring wellness into lifestyle-focused real estate. This scholarship supports his goal of building a career rooted in service and personal growth.
Congratulations to our 2025 Past President’s Scholarship winners!
Learn More about TRREB’s Past President’s Scholarship, including more about the winners and when to apply for the 2026 scholarships.