Rooted in Legacy, Rising Toward the Future: Meet Our Africville Bursary Students

Every student has a story. Every opportunity has the power to shape what comes next.

At the Pinball Foundation, we believe that access to education is about more than earning a degree. It's about creating opportunities, building confidence, and empowering young people to pursue their goals while making a difference in their communities.

This year, we were proud to welcome 25 new students into our PinballBURSARY program, including five students with family roots in the historic community of Africville, Nova Scotia.

Each student brings their own experiences, ambitions, and perspectives, but they share something meaningful: a connection to a community whose legacy of resilience, strength, and determination continues to inspire future generations.

As they navigate their post-secondary journeys, we're excited to share their stories and celebrate the futures they're working toward.

Meet the Students

Kyrae Carvery | St. Francis Xavier University

For Kyrae Carvery, pursuing a career in dentistry is about more than achieving a personal goal. It's an opportunity to build a future rooted in education, connection, and community.

Currently studying Health at St. Francis Xavier University, Kyrae has embraced the beginning of university life, building new connections and finding support as she works toward her goal of becoming a dentist.

With deep family roots in Africville, Kyrae recognizes the importance of community and the opportunities that come from having people who believe in your potential.

Abena Atwell' Rodney | University of Guelph

Art has the power to inspire, connect, and heal, and Abena Atwell' Rodney hopes to make that power part of her future career.

A first-year student at the University of Guelph studying Creative Arts, Health and Wellness with a focus on Studio Art, Abena is working toward becoming an art therapist.

Growing up in East Preston, Nova Scotia, Abena carries a strong connection to her Africville ancestry through generations of women in her family. Their history and resilience continue to shape her perspective and inspire her ambitions.

"My future is bright, and the future of Black communities is even brighter. And I am ready to make changes, one person, painting, and broken chains at a time."

For Abena, education is an opportunity to combine her creativity with her passion for helping others and creating meaningful change.

Nykeva Brown | Mount Saint Vincent University

For Nykeva Brown, a passion for working with children has always been part of her life.

Now studying Early Childhood Education at Mount Saint Vincent University, Nykeva is turning that passion into a career dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the next generation.

Her connection to Africville is deeply personal. Having attended the annual Africville reunion with her family since childhood, Nykeva has grown up surrounded by the stories, traditions, and relationships that keep the community's legacy alive.

Receiving her bursary during the Africville reunion made the moment especially meaningful.

"My roots in Africville play a massive part in who I am and what inspires me."

As she continues her education, Nykeva hopes to make a positive difference in the lives of young children and their families.

Xavier Hill | Acadia University

Balancing university academics with varsity athletics requires dedication, discipline, and determination, qualities that Xavier Hill brings to both his studies and his future ambitions.

A third-year Bachelor of Kinesiology student and member of the Acadia Varsity Men's Soccer team, Xavier has learned the importance of time management while pursuing his academic and athletic goals.

His passion for healthcare is also rooted in a desire to create change.

Growing up with limited representation of African Nova Scotians in medicine inspired Xavier to pursue a career in healthcare, where he hopes to contribute to a more inclusive system and become a mentor for young people in his community.

As a proud descendant of Africville, Xavier carries a legacy of resilience and service that continues to guide his journey.

Ciara Burrell-Grant | University of New Brunswick

With a strong interest in health, movement, and the human body, Ciara is pursuing her passion for understanding how people can live healthier lives.

Currently studying Kinesiology with a minor in Chemistry at the University of New Brunswick, Ciara is building the knowledge and skills that will support her future career.

Her studies have allowed her to explore subjects that interest her, including exercise, nutrition, and human health, while discovering new possibilities for her future.

With family roots in Africville, Ciara is proud to carry that connection forward as she works toward a career where she can positively impact the health and well-being of others.

Honouring the Past, Investing in the Future

Africville's history is one of community, resilience, and perseverance. While the historic community faced displacement and injustice, its legacy continues through the families, descendants, and generations who carry its stories forward.

For these five students, that legacy is part of who they are, but it is also part of what motivates them to pursue their futures.

From healthcare and dentistry to art therapy and early childhood education, their ambitions reflect a shared desire to contribute to their communities and create opportunities for others.

Through PinballBURSARY, the Pinball Foundation provides financial assistance and wraparound support, helping students navigate post-secondary education and build pathways toward meaningful careers.

As we celebrate 20 years of empowering young people, stories like these remind us why investing in education matters. When students have access to the resources, mentorship, and support they need, the possibilities extend far beyond the classroom.

Their roots tell a story of resilience. Their futures are filled with possibility.

We're proud to be part of their journeys and can't wait to see what comes next.

Help empower the next generation.

Support students as they pursue their education, achieve their goals, and create lasting change in their communities. Donate Today