Three students earn TLTI Youth Bursary
Three local students have been recognized by the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands through its annual Youth Bursary Program, receiving financial support to help pursue their post-secondary education goals.
The bursaries were presented during the township’s June 2 committee of the whole meeting, where council recognized the recipients for their academic achievement, leadership, volunteerism and involvement in extracurricular activities.
This year’s top recipient, Macey Grier, a student at Gananoque Secondary School, received a $1,000 bursary. Grier plans to attend college to study dental hygiene and said the funding will help cover her residence costs.
Asked how she hopes to give back to the community, Grier said she would like to host oral hygiene information sessions at local elementary schools.
The second-place bursary of $600 was awarded to Asia McBride Johnston, a student at St. Mary Catholic High School. McBride Johnston plans to study medicine at university and said she hopes to establish a medical practice in Leeds and the Thousand Islands after completing her education.
The third-place bursary of $400 went to Mackenze Swann, a student at Gananoque Secondary School. Swann plans to pursue studies in psychology and said she hopes to help children and youth overcome adversity in the future.
Township officials said selecting the winners was challenging due to the strength of this year’s applicant pool, with several applicants demonstrating strong academic achievement, leadership and community involvement.
Deputy Mayor Terry Fodey praised the recipients for their accomplishments and dedication to their communities.
“The township is proud to recognize these three outstanding young individuals. Each of these recipients has demonstrated their commitment to the community through their volunteerism, while also achieving exemplary academic success. The township’s support is a small way to recognize their achievements. On behalf of council, I wish to congratulate Macey, Asia and Mackenzie on being bursary recipients and look forward to what the future holds,” said Fodey.
The township’s Youth Bursary Program is intended to recognize local students while helping support their educational and career aspirations beyond high school.
Keith Dempsey is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Brockville Recorder and Times. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.