Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders with $153,000 in Student Awards!
Each year, the Thunder Bay Community Foundation awards graduating high school students with Scholarships and Bursaries to assist them with their post-secondary education. These awards will help the recipients pay for things such as tuition, books, supplies, general living expenses, and more. Without the continued support of the donors of the Thunder Bay Community Foundation, our Scholarships and Bursaries would not be possible.
During their application process, the Foundation received 186 applications from students from the Thunder Bay and District areas. After the evaluations, the Thunder Bay Community Foundation is pleased to announce that 47 students will receive Scholarships and Bursaries totaling $153,000.
“I would like to thank our incredible donors who make all of this possible. Without them, we could not do what we do. I would also like to congratulate all 47 of our student recipients. The future of our city looks very bright!”, says Mike Belliveau, Chair of the Thunder Bay Community Foundation.
On June 5, 2024, the Thunder Bay Community Foundation held its Scholarship and Bursary Reception at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. The room was filled with buzzing energy and overflowing enthusiasm as students, parents, donors, and school representatives came together to honor and celebrate the bright futures ahead for each and every award recipient. It was a moment to cherish and remember, a testament to the incredible talent and spirit that thrives within our community.
Erin Guerard, from St. Ignatius High School, was honoured to receive the Helen L. Dewar Scholarship. For Erin, the significance of this honour extends beyond the recognition of her own achievements. In a heartwarming twist of fate, Erin’s father was a recipient of the Helen L. Dewar Scholarship back in 1987. John Guerard, Erin’s father states, “37 years ago, I was awarded the Thunder Bay Foundation Scholarship, the only award given by the Thunder Bay Community Foundation at the time.It is absolutely amazing to see how much the Thunder Bay Community Foundation Awards Trust has grown to numerous awards thanks to the generosity of donors, and how they continue to support students in our community, including my daughter. We are honored and grateful for this amazing opportunity that will aid my daughter in her pursuit for her education at the University of Waterloo, just as it aided me during my time in university.”
The Thunder Bay Community Foundation’s student awards not only recognizes academic excellence but also celebrates the recipients’ exceptional character and potential to make a meaningful impact in their community.
Athena Kreiner, CEO, explains “Our donors care about the youth in our community. They are not just giving these students money, they’re investing in their education so we can all benefit as a society in the future. So to our donors, I thank you. Thank you for caring about our children and wanting to help advance their futures and make our community a better place. You are making a positive impact. I too would also like to congratulate the students who have received awards this evening. Your hard work has paid off! Congratulations to the parents as well. I know, and have experienced the pride that you are all feeling.”
