CELEBRATING 2026’S TOP SCHOLARS

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

A.H.B. “SPOON” WOTHERSPOON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The A.H.B. “Spoon” Wotherspoon Memorial Scholarship was established in 1987, using funds from the devolution of the Greater Vancouver Insurance Brokers Association. “Spoon” was president of IBABC in 1976, and the scholarship is named in his honour.

This award of $1,000 is presented to a student enrolled in a post-secondary institution. Candidates must possess not only an exemplary academic record but must also show a commitment to extra-curricular activities and community service.

This year the recipient of this scholarship is Aarav Goyal. A graduating student of Lambrick Park Secondary, Aarav will begin his post-secondary studies in engineering this fall at the University of Victoria. He has distinguished himself through exceptional academic achievement, earning top entrance scholarships from the University of Victoria, including the President’s Entrance Scholarship and the International Entrance Scholarship.

Beyond his academic accomplishments, Aarav has demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to community service. He served as Student President at Lambrick Park Secondary and represented student voices on the Greater Victoria School District’s Climate Action Working Group. Passionate about sustainability, he has dedicated many hours to mentoring younger students, leading youth programs, and advancing climate awareness initiatives in his community. He is the son of Kaushal Goyal of Western Coast Insurance Services Ltd. in Sidney.

CHUCK BYRNE LEGACY ICBC AUTOPLAN SCHOLARSHIP

The Chuck Byrne Legacy ICBC Scholarship for $2,500 is administered by IBABC and CUISA. Recipients of this scholarship must be B.C. residents who are the child of an insurance industry practitioner, be enrolled or accepted in post-secondary education, volunteer in their community, participate in extracurricular activities, and demonstrate high academic achievement.

Gabriella Chen is the 2026 recipient. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia, Gabriella has earned several notable distinctions, including the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Entrance Award, the BC Achievement Scholarship, and the District/Authority Scholarship for excellence in Fine Arts.

Beyond her academic achievements, Gabriella is an accomplished musician and dedicated community volunteer. Through her longstanding involvement with AWANA and service as a church pianist, she has demonstrated leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to helping others. Inspired by the impact of medical research during the COVID-19 pandemic, she hopes to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research and drug development. She is the daughter of Hong Chen of Maxxam Insurance Services in Burnaby.

DENNIS MACNEILL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Central Agencies Ltd. Dennis MacNeill Memorial Scholarship awards $2,500 for the first year or subsequent year of a student’s post-secondary education. Applicants must show a commitment to community service and must be an employee or relative of B.C. insurance-industry practitioners.

We’re pleased to recognize Mia Binning as the recipient of the 2026 Central Agencies Ltd. Dennis MacNeill Memorial Scholarship. A graduating student of Elgin Park Secondary, Mia will begin studying Food, Nutrition, and Health at the University of British Columbia this fall. Her academic achievements include top student awards in Law, Careers, and Library Science, as well as recognition from the Surrey Rotary Club for leadership and community service.

Beyond her academic success, Mia has demonstrated a strong commitment to helping others through volunteer work with BC Children’s Hospital, the West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation, and her school’s Reading Buddies program. She has also supported local charitable initiatives through fundraising and mentorship activities. Inspired by her experiences supporting children and families, she hopes to pursue a career in medicine focused on compassionate, patient-centred care. She is the daughter of Prem Binning, Regional Vice President of HUB Financial in Vancouver.

JOE STONEHOUSE MENTORSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

The Joe Stonehouse Mentorship Scholarship, presented by Brody Stonehouse, AC&D Insurance, for $2,500, is awarded to a student related to someone in the insurance industry who demonstrates the attributes Stonehouse was known for – mentoring, dedication, and diverse personal interests.

This year the scholarship is awarded to Brevin Wood. Graduating from Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary School, Brevin will begin a Bachelor of Science at the University of the Fraser Valley this fall. He has demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to mentorship through both school and community involvement.

Brevin has volunteered extensively as a soccer and swim coach, helping young athletes build skills, confidence, and a love of sport. Within his school community, he has also contributed through Link Crew and the Leadership program, helping welcome younger students and foster an inclusive and positive environment.

Outside of academics, Brevin is passionate about teaching through sport and fitness and values the opportunity to help others grow and develop confidence. His experiences have strengthened his commitment to mentorship and working with youth. He is the son of Leah Wood, Director, Claims and Loss Prevention at Acera Insurance in Burnaby.

JOHN M. TOOMER SCHOLARSHIP

The John M. Toomer Education Scholarship awards $5,000 to a post-secondary student with family connections to our industry. The funds for this scholarship have been generously donated by John Toomer. John, who is now enjoying retirement, holds the record for years of volunteer service to IBABC. During nearly 30 years of volunteering, he helped establish IBABC’s education programs, served as our first treasurer, and sat on the conference committee.

We’re proud to recognize Jonathan Huang as the 2026 recipient of the John M. Toomer Education Scholarship. Jonathan is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of Toronto and intends to continue his studies through graduate work in teaching or physiotherapy. His academic achievements include recognition through the R. Tait McKenzie Society and the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program Award from the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education.

In addition to his studies, Jonathan has made meaningful contributions through clinical and community-based work. As a clinical exercise trainer with the CODE-W Ms.Fit research program, he supports exercise interventions for women with metabolic risk and breast cancer survivors. He also serves as a leader with The Grapesyard Project, an NGO supporting children in Kenya, and as a sport physiotherapy assistant at the David L. MacIntosh Clinic. Committed to mentorship and education, Jonathan co-founded the University of Toronto Pre-Physical Therapy Student Association and tutors violin and piano. He is the son of Echo Miao, Account Administrator at Central Agencies Inc.

RENATE MUELLER TRAILBLAZER SCHOLARSHIP, RECOGNIZING FUTURE WOMEN TRAILBLAZERS

The Renate Mueller Trailblazer Scholarship, Recognizing Future Women Trailblazers, presented by Westland Insurance for $2,500, is intended to go to a post-secondary school student who demonstrates a commitment to community service and a dedication to professional development. Applicants must also share how they plan to promote the advancement of gender equity and support for women in business.

The 2026 recipient of this award is Jayden Nichol. Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, Jayden specializes in Clinical and Medical Social Work. Throughout her academic journey, she has earned recognition for academic excellence while dedicating countless hours to supporting youth and families in her community.

Through roles with Kids Help Phone and Big Brothers Big Sisters, Jayden has provided crisis support, mentorship, and guidance to young people facing adversity and mental health challenges. Her commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces reflects both compassion and leadership. Inspired by a desire to improve access to care and resources for young people, she hopes to become a Child and Youth Mental Health Social Worker, combining advocacy and clinical practice to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. She is the daughter of Mike Nichol, Senior Client Executive at Acera Insurance in Victoria.

CAIB AWARD RECIPIENTS

The CAIB awards are awarded to licensees who receive the highest marks in CAIB courses completed in the previous calendar year.

HUB INTERNATIONAL HERB OSEN MEMORIAL BURSARY

The 2026 HUB International Herb Osen Memorial Bursary for $2,000, which goes to the student who attains the highest cumulative mark on all four CAIB exams, and completed their CAIB designation requirements within the calendar year, is awarded to Harresh Thayakaanthan from HUB International.

CAIB 1: SANTBIR MINHAS AWARD

Alicia Denniston of Acera Insurance was awarded the Santbir Minhas Award of $500 for the highest mark on the CAIB 1 exam in B.C.

CAIB 2 RELIANCE INSURANCE AWARD

The recipient of the $500 CAIB 2 Reliance Insurance Award is Ken Thompson of Johnston Meier.

CAIB 3 RENATE M. MUELLER CONSULTANTS RECOGNITION AWARD 

The recipient of the $500 CAIB 3 Renate M. Mueller Consultants Recognition Award is Shirleen Mak of Tony Lau Insurance.

CAIB 4: PARK GEORGIA INSURANCE INSURANCE AGENCIES RECOGNITION AWARD

For the highest CAIB 4 mark, the $750 Park Georgia Insurance Agencies Recognition Award recipient is Kanwaldeep Brar of Townline Insurance.