Impact update: Mark and Dorothy Danzker Scholarship for Excellence

Did you know applications for the Mark and Dorothy Danzker Scholarship opened early last week?

These scholarships, presented by Folklorama and the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, are awarded annually to eight post-secondary students who have exhibited excellence in ethno-cultural heritage preservation. The impact of these awards can be seen in past recipients like Kaylene Blackwood and Krissadie Armstrong.

Kaylene Blackwood received the scholarship in 2025. Passionate about the arts, Kaylene sings with the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir and has been a long-time member of the Hi-Life Steel Orchestra, a community steel drum band. She proudly shares her Caribbean heritage at cultural events such as Black History Month and community celebrations.

“The Mark & Dorothy Danzker Scholarship has encouraged me to proudly continue to share my culture with others, not only in cultural spaces, but through everything that I do,” Kaylene explains. “It has also provided vital support in funding my final year of university, allowing me to complete my degree in Business Administration. I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact within my community and beyond.”

Another 2025 recipient was Krissadie Armstrong. She has represented her Irish heritage in Winnipeg for over a decade though Irish Dance with the Brady Academy of Irish Dance and regular performances at Folklorama’s Celtic Ireland Pavilion.

“When entering my first year of university, receiving the Mark & Dorothy Danzker Scholarship was such a blessing,” Krissadie recalls. “By taking some of the pressure off of paying my tuition, it made the transition from high school to university so much smoother. I had the time to focus on doing well in my classes and getting to know my university community, helping me find a sense of belonging that motivated me to keep going, even during the busiest weeks. I am so grateful to have been a recipient of the Mark & Dorothy Danzker Scholarship, and that it gave me the opportunity to have such a strong start at university.”

Krissadie hopes to continue sharing Irish dance and pursue work in endangered language preservation.

Applications for the Mark & Dorothy Danzker Scholarship for Excellence close on Friday, April 24, 2026. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply on our website