The Ladysmith Secondary class of 2016 includes 61 grads who received a total of $115,750 in scholarships and bursaries through the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District Foundation in amounts ranging from $300 to $5,000 states a June 10 NSDF release.
Crystal Dennison, executive director of the foundation, said that local service clubs, community organizations and private donors provided $95,750, while the Ministry of Education funded 16 scholarships of $1,250 each.
“Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, many graduating high school students now have the opportunity to continue their education,” said Dennison. “Local donors understand the importance of helping young people succeed, and they see their financial support as an investment in their community’s future. Without our donors’ financial support, many students may not have the opportunity to go to college or university.”
This year’s top recipients, receiving $4,000 or more each, were:
• Laura Stachow: $6,000 (Ladysmith Health Care Auxiliary Scholarship $4,000; Yellowpoint Lodge Tourism Scholarship $750; District/Authority Scholarship, Fine Arts $1,250).
• Annika Bouma: $5,300 (Ladysmith & District Credit Union Scholarship (in Honour of John Ulinder) $5,000; St. Mary’s Catholic Women’s League Award $300).
• Rachel Jerome: $5,250 (Ladysmith Health Care Auxiliary Scholarship $4,000; District/Authority Scholarship, Physical Activity $1,250).
• Chloe Scott: $4,750 (LCU Insurance Agencies Community Spirit Award $1,000; Lucy Lytton Memorial Scholarship $2,500; District/Authority Scholarship, Fine Arts $1,250).
• Chelsea Lloy: $4,000 (Ladysmith & District Credit Union Bursary – Vocational $3,000; Mike Marshall Memorial Award $500; Vincent Family Award $500).
• Abby Paddle: $4,000 (Cory Bailey Memorial Award $1,000; Ladysmith & District Credit Union Bursary – Academic $3,000).
Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation is a community based, registered charitable organization that solicits financial awards for graduating students, and raises funds to help support unmet basic needs of students in School District 68, which has a high child poverty rate.
For more information about Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation, or to donate, please contact Dennison at 250-753-4074 or visit www.NLSF.ca.