The Allen Benn Memorial Scholarship
History of the Scholarship: On Monday, April, 2, 2007, Allen Benn a bright, young 20-year old member of our Association and our community, was violently slain in a neighbouring community within the Jane/Finch area.
Allen Benn was born September 21, 1986 in Kumasi, Ghana, to parents George Jojo Benn and Grace Benn. In 1994, Allen immigrated to Toronto with his mother and older brother, Oscar, with the hope of acquiring a proper education, and a brighter future. He graduated from St. Charles Garnier School in 2001. Allen followed in his brother’s footsteps and attended Westview Secondary School, a school with strong academic and athletic programs.
Unfortunately, when Allen’s brother graduated from high school, Allen encountered many challenges and difficulties, which led him to withdraw from school. After a few years, he soon realized the necessity for a better path in life, and was committed to starting school again on April 10, 2007. Unfortunately, Allen was murdered one week prior to starting school, and was never able to realize his dream of a solid education.
Allen was an avid soccer and basketball fan. He was also an active member of SRA’s “Youth ‘N Charge” youth group, where he assisted with program planning, and in the supervision of a recording studio by youth in the community. He was well liked by his peers, and known as a joker amongst his friends, as he liked to make people laugh.
On behalf of the SRA Board of Directors and the San Romanoway Community, we have created THE ALLEN BENN SCHOLARSHIP, in honour of Allen’s memory, and his commitment to hard work, persistence, and determination to achieve his goals.
SRA acknowledges the importance of creating opportunities to support young people in the Jane and Finch area. The scholarship is offered to students who are committed to hard work, striving for personal and professional success, and to those who give back to their community. The scholarship aims to assist three (3) community members from the Jane and Finch area who are enrolled or considering enrolment in a college or university. Each scholarship is valued at $1,000.00.
