Christian is a York University graduate student studying business. He attended Ryerson University and earned a bachelor of science in Biology. He made the Dean’s Honors list award in 2021 and also received the Ryerson Entrance Scholarship. 

Christian is interested in traveling, renewable energy, gaming and sports. In 2010, he was chosen as the youngest torch bearer for the Olympics. Christian is very active in the gymnast community and trains for 20 hours a week and has competed in many competitions. Christian is a certified men’s gymnast judge and is also a technical director and coach at a gymnast club.

Tiffany Farrugia (she/her) was born in Canada and is the eldest granddaughter of her Baba and Dedo, who immigrated to Canada from Lerin, Macedonia. Tiffany is completing her third year of Law School at the University of Western Ontario, Canada. However, she is currently spending a semester studying internationally at the University of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. Upon finishing her Juris Doctor, Tiffany will complete her articles at the Department of Justice, National Litigation Sector in Toronto. 

Tiffany has long been interested in advocacy, including litigation, and solving people-centered problems. Prior to law school, she earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Justice Studies and a Diploma in Community Justice Services. As an advocate, Tiffany volunteers her time at UMD and Generation M to contribute to an organization that will unite Macedonians like herself worldwide.  

Angela Josifova is a first generation Canadian with roots from Probistip, Macedonia. She is in her third year of studies at Wilfrid Laurier University and is enrolled in the BA Psychology program. Following her undergraduate degree, Angela has ambitions to attend an Ontario law school and receive her JD. Outside of her academia, Angela has been involved in extracurricular activities throughout her education. She is currently a member of the Laurier Psychology Society, the Laurier Pre-Law Society, UMD Generation M, as well as an ambassador for Cam’s Kids Foundation, and more. At the age of 14, Angela found a love for the sport of volleyball and was a member of the Scorpions Volleyball Club and the Legacy Beach Volleyball Club. She has participated in competitive volleyball leagues and high school volleyball. She has won several provincial and regional medals and a number of rewards. Entering her post-secondary education, Angela has retired from playing volleyball competitively to focus on her academics but is still involved in the Laurier volleyball intramurals.

Evan Nitchov is a second generation Macedonian Canadian living in Toronto, Ontario. Both his Mother and Father’s family came from the Aegean Macedonian region of Banitsa to Toronto during the late 20th century in search for a better life for their family and future generations to come. Living in a place like Canada which contains a healthy Macedonian population and a vast assortment of cultures, conversing with others about his unique heritage allows for him to possess another pathway to individually stand out and make an impact on the people he interacts with, being in a social, work, or first-time setting. Evan is currently going onto his fourth year of his Bachelor’s of Political Science at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Evan is currently studying for his LSAT exam and hopes to continue his academic career and pursue his goal of becoming a lawyer in the future. Evan spent many days at his grandparents house with them during his younger years. While he was there, they never failed to expose him to Macedonian traditions and values, and the way that life was lived previously by them and their parents within the village of Banitsa. His parents have played a very large role in his personal development as they always reminded him of how important it was for them and their families to express their cultural identity.

Both his parents and grandparents have played an immense role in making him the person he is today as at a young age they instilled the values of self-discipline, continual positive work ethic, as well as familial significance. This has translated into the belief that his capabilities solely rest on his ability to put in his best effort and never give up, shaping his attitude and work ethic. Evan has been involved with the United Macedonian Diaspora in both the Birthright Macedonia program, where he interned at the Institute for Democracy Societas Civilis in Skopje, as well as in the Virtual Summer Fellowship program.

Evan discussed his gratitude: “I am deeply grateful to receive this scholarship in pursuit of my academic goals, in honour of Mr. John L. N. Bitove. I hope this inspires future generations of Macedonians to chase their aspirations, and I will continue to give 100% in all I do.”

Anastasija Petrovska was born in Rego Park, Queens and is currently pursuing her bachelors for Philosophy, and Psychology at Stony Brook University on the Pre Law track. Anastasija’s Macedonian heritage comes from both sides of her family with her parents immigrating to America from Tetovo, Macedonia. She is a resident assistant, TA, and has interned on Stony Brook campus at the Center for Civic Justice this past school year. She had also interned as the Head Marketing Communications and Media Editor last summer at The American Portfolios Financial Advising company. This summer however, she solo visited Macedonia where she applied and obtained her dual citizenship. Every weekend she would join the Pkjelak Hiking group and tour the Sar Mountains. The top of Ljuboten was her favorite view. Anastasija won the 2021 Bitove Scholarship and as the first daughter born in America, she hopes to continue to preserve the Macedonian culture and nationalsitic pride her family instilled in her. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, reading, and trying to cook new foods.

Joe Rajcevski was born in Rochester Hills, Michigan, USA. Joe’s Macedonian heritage comes from both sides of his family with his grandparents hailing from Ljubojno, Tetovo, and Bitola. He will be attending Michigan State University in the fall, studying Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy at James Madison College with a minor in business. Joe is part of the 300 member Spartan Marching Band where he is one of the 34 student Alto Saxophone Section. The Spartan Marching Band is one of the most elite collegiate level bands in the country. Joe plans to attend law school to pursue a degree in corporate law. Eventually, Joe intends to pursue a career as a public servant in politics. Joe has interned on a congressional campaign where he received a challenge coin which resulted from his excellence in leadership and dedication to the United States. Joe embodies the Macedonian cultural values and is extremely honored to accept the Bitove Scholarship.This scholarship is an investment in the future of the Macedonian culture.

Christian Rostankovski is a Master of Biotechnology candidate at the University of Toronto specializing in biopharmaceuticals. He has a long history of involvement in the Macedonian community of Toronto. He is a member of the Macedonian folklore Ensemble Makedonka, former President and current Vice President of the Macedonian Youth Network, and former Vice President of the Association of Macedonian Students at the University of Toronto. Christian aspires to work in the pharmaceutical industry making life saving treatments accessible to all.

Danche Smilkova is a junior studying Computer Engineering and participating in the Kellogg Managerial Analytics Program at Northwestern University. In 2017, she continued her high school education in China, where she was able to foster and share her Macedonian culture through traditional dances, dresses, and her personal favorite – ajvar. As a former igraorka, wearing traditional nosija and starting Pajdushko have a special place in her heart. After moving to the US, Danche wanted to stay connected with her roots – she founded the Balkan Student Association at her university with the aim to bring together students and faculty from the region and form a close-knit community. Danche is an active contributor to female empowerment in STEM as a mentor for younger students through the Society of Women Engineers at Northwestern. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and fixing things. Danche hopes to eventually work on developing energy-efficient computing systems that would benefit agricultural communities such as her native Gevgelija and beyond.

Nikola Trajanovski was born in Kumanovo, Macedonia and at 17 he moved permanently to Chicago, Illinois with his family. Ever since graduating High School, he’s had a special interest in computers and programming. Currently, a second-year student at the St. Thomas University of Florida, where he’s pursuing his bachelor’s degree in computer science. Nikola is also the number one ranked swimmer in Macedonia. He actively competes in the Macedonian national swimming championship every summer and hopes to one day reach and achieve his goals of going to the Olympics. But wherever he goes he will always represent his homeland country Macedonia, along with expressing our values and traditions.