David Francis.
David Francis recently received a $4,000 scholarship for his work at the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of East Scarborough.
Staff photo/ERIC HEINO
After helping countless young people during his years of volunteer work with the Boys' and Girls' Clubs of East Scarborough, David Francis is finally getting something in return.
He was recently notified that an essay he submitted earlier this summer was selected as the winner of a $4,000 Future Shop Future Leaders scholarship. The money is enough to purchase a new lap top and pay for his tuition at Humber College, where he will study recreation and leisure in September.
Getting a post-secondary education was always a question mark, said Francis, who has spent all 21 years of his life living in the Kingston and Galloway roads neighbourhood.
"I'm smiling now that I'm going to school. Without this chance I would never have been able to go to school, so I'm happy about it," he said.
He has been involved with the Boys' and Girls' Club on Galloway Road since he was six years old. Now he has the money to get an education, but he credits the club with building his character through positive examples.
Not all of his childhood friends were so lucky.
"This facility kind of helped me up, because I live near Kingston and Galloway, which is what they call a priority neighbourhood. I've seen friends die in front of me, I've seen them go to jail, I've seen what not having a facility to go to can do to people. This has been a big, big part of my life."
For the last five years Francis has been working directly with the children at the club as a group leader.
He tries to communicate his own life experiences and serve as a positive role model. He is a paid staff member, but still volunteers a great deal of time to run a competitive basketball program for the club.
On Aug. 26 Francis was working with his group of six-to-10-year-old girls. He was helping put the final touches on a dance routine for the annual talent show taking place on Aug. 27, the last day of summer camp.
Russell Scott, manager of children and early teen services, spoke highly of Francis and his connection with the children.
"He knows what it's like to be a kid here," said Scott.
"We are dealing with children in high risk and different family situation and he can help them."
Francis was one of 25 young volunteers across Canada selected to receive the scholarship.