Celebrating Achievement, Investing in the Future

At the Atlantic Packaging group of companies, success is measured by more than business performance. It is reflected in the people who make up our extended family and in the opportunities we help create for future generations. That spirit was on full display at this year’s Academic Scholarship Awards ceremony on August 14, 2026, at Atlantic’s headquarters, where students, parents, and company leaders gathered to celebrate academic achievement, perseverance, and hard work. For the recipients, these scholarships recognize years of dedication and ambition. For Atlantic, they represent a long-standing commitment to supporting education and investing in the families of employees who help drive the company’s success every day. 

As President, Sean Weir shared during the celebration, the scholarship program remains one of the initiatives that resonates most strongly across the organization. What began as an investment in students has grown into a meaningful tradition that reflects one of Atlantic’s core values: Our People Are Our Family. Each year, the growing number of scholarship recipients serves as a reminder that Atlantic’s success extends beyond its facilities and operations. It reaches into classrooms, campuses, and communities, helping create opportunities for the next generation of leaders, professionals, and innovators. 

The event brought together multiple generations of the Atlantic family, creating moments of pride, gratitude, and shared accomplishment. Students spoke about the opportunities the scholarships provide, while parents reflected on the company’s commitment to supporting employees and their families. 

“It means a lot,” said scholarship recipient Lily Kempton, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Ontario Tech University. “The scholarship helps me continue my education and pursue the career I want.” 

For Lily’s father, Phil Kempton, Production Manager at Atlantic’s Whitby Mill and a 21-year employee, the program reflects the values that have defined his experience with the company. 

“It makes you feel proud to be a member of Atlantic Packaging, knowing that the company gives back and treats you like family,” he said. “It’s a reflection of our core values and something you can look at throughout your career and be proud to be part of.” 

Many families shared similar sentiments, noting that the scholarship not only helps make post-secondary education more accessible but also serves as recognition for years of hard work and dedication. The program continues to strengthen a culture where employees are supported, valued, and encouraged to help their children pursue ambitious educational goals. 

“This program allows me to further my education and reach my educational goals,” said Alexis Chan, who will be studying Health Sciences at McMaster University.

Her father, Alan Chan, Corrugator Supervisor, described the scholarship as a meaningful investment in students and their futures, helping create opportunities that can have a lasting impact for years to come.

For Jack Fedash, a fourth-year student at Western University studying Finance and Computer Science, receiving the scholarship is a meaningful recognition of the work he has put into his education.

“I’m proud of myself for being selected and for maintaining the grades to be eligible,” Jack said. “The scholarship also helps with the cost of school and allows me to focus on my studies.”

His mother, Heather Fedash, Senior Director of Enterprise Risk Management, who has been with Atlantic for three years, said the award reflects the company’s commitment to employees and their families.

“As a parent, I was thrilled and so proud of him,” she said. “It’s wonderful to see Atlantic support employees and their children in such a meaningful way.”

Supporting Future Leaders 

For Natalia Yurkevich, Chief Human Resources Officer, the scholarship program is ultimately about helping students realize their potential and supporting the development of future leaders. 

“These students who are entering their first- or second-year programs will go on to make meaningful contributions in their communities and professions. I hope to see some of them join us at some point.” 

Natalia believes the program demonstrates Atlantic’s commitment to nurturing growth, encouraging achievement, and supporting young people as they begin important new chapters in their academic and professional journeys. 

A Reflection of Family Values 

Having been involved with the scholarship program since its early years, Vandana Raghuram, Director of Organizational Development and Learning, sees the initiative as one of the clearest examples of Atlantic’s commitment to its people. 

“This program shows the dedication and commitment from the leaders and from the Granovsky family,” she said. “It demonstrates how deeply we believe in the core value, ‘Our People Are Our Family.’“

For Vandana, the impact extends far beyond financial support.

“It is a program which deeply matters to them. It has helped many families, and I’ve seen how emotional people get just being included in it. There is a lot of oneness that we’re building with this.” 

She added that the program creates an experience that resonates in ways few traditional employee recognition initiatives can. 

“Everybody who comes here feels so blessed and feels so fortunate for being selected. I think that runs really deep and goes way beyond any engagement that you can do for an employee.” 

Investing in What Matters Most 

According to David Granovsky, member of Atlantic’s Board of Directors, the scholarship program was founded with a simple objective: support employees by investing in what matters most to them — their children and their future. 

“When we started, we asked ourselves how we could do something meaningful for employees,” he said. “What’s more important to employees than their children? If we can help people make the jump into university, it’s a great investment in employees and their kids.” 

David emphasized that while facilities, technology, and equipment play important roles in business success, people remain Atlantic’s greatest strength. 

“We can buy the best equipment in the world, but without great employees it’s not going to run,” he said. “Our strength really is our employees, and we want to treat people like family.” 

He explained that education has always been a priority for the Granovsky family, making the scholarship program a natural extension of values that have guided the organization for generations. 

“Our family believes very strongly in education, and we just want to help as many people as we can get some post-secondary education.”

Over the years, the program’s impact has become increasingly visible as recipients graduated, established successful careers, and now contributing to their communities and industries.

“If someone’s smart, they deserve a chance to go to university, and we give them a little bit of help,” David said. “We see the dividends. The kids of our employees graduated school, do great jobs, and some of them have come back to work here. We believe education is important. Let’s put that value into action.“ 

Building a Legacy Through Education 

As another scholarship class begins its academic journey, Atlantic’s scholarship program continues to demonstrate what it means to invest in people. By helping students pursue higher education and supporting the families behind them, the company is creating opportunities that extend far beyond the workplace.
The annual scholarship celebration is more than an awards ceremony. It reflects Atlantic’s belief that when people are supported, encouraged, and given opportunities to succeed, entire communities benefit. 

For Atlantic Packaging group of companies, investing in education is not simply about helping students reach their goals. It is about building a stronger future — one family and one success story at a time.