Three students awarded youth bursaries in TLTI

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The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands (TLTI) was pleased to announce this year’s winners of the three bursaries awarded to exemplary youth in the community.

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“The township prides itself in the ability to recognize young people for their successes and to support them with their future goals with the youth bursary program,” said Tracy Holland, communications supervisor for TLTI.

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TLTI council created the Youth Bursary Program in May of 2019 as a way to encourage and support local students who have recently graduated from high school and will be attending post-secondary or apprenticeship programs. Students may apply for a bursary and are assessed on their civic engagement, extracurricular activities, leadership, academics, and character references. This year, the Township received 11 submissions.

“(This year’s) recipients really excelled in leadership, being involved as volunteers at a high level with exceptional civic engagement,” said Holland.

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The bursaries consist of honoraria in the amounts of $1000, $600, and $400, which are to be applied to the costs of their post-secondary education, whether university, college, or an apprenticeship program.

This year’s winners are Mairin McConnell of Gananoque Intermediate and Secondary School in Gananoque (first place) who will be attending the university of Toronto, Courtney Hoekstra of Rideau District Secondary School in second place who will be attending Queens university in Kingston, and the third place to Jory Leakey of Thousand Islands Secondary School who will be attending the University of Ottawa. No information has been provided as to the programs they intend to pursue.

“The township is proud to recognize three outstanding young individuals who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in civic engagement, academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular involvement,” said TLTI Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke. “Each of these recipients has shown remarkable commitment to their community and a strong dedication to personal growth and achievement. Their contributions inspire us all and reflect the values we strive to nurture in the next generation of leaders. As they take their next steps, I am confident they will continue to make a positive impact. The support from the Township is a small way to recognize their achievements. On behalf of (the) council, I congratulate Mairin, Courtney and Jorey. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for these remarkable young people.”

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