Nelson Mandela is quoted as saying, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. Supporting youth in care to achieve their academic goals is a priority of both the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society and Highland Shores Children’s Aid. It is also the priority of Ron and Nancy Clark.
The Clark Bursary Fund was established in 1989 through a generous donation by Ron and Nancy Clark of Caledonia. It was created to assist youth in care and former wards of a CAS achieve their academic and career goals.
The Clark Bursary Award is provided to students attending post-secondary education. They receive $3,500 per year for up to four years. Kaya, a young lady in the care of the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society and Kym, a young woman formerly in the care of Highland Shores Children’s Aid were both presented with Clark Bursary Awards at a banquet hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Clark and the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies which took place on June 3rd in Toronto.
Kaya is a grade 12 student. She is currently completing a four credit co-op program in a Learning and Life Skills (LLS) class in Peterborough. In order to complete her 40 hours of community work, Kaya volunteered with the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough and continues to volunteer with the organization even after completing her necessary hours. Kaya is hoping to attend the Child and Youth Worker program at Fleming College either this September or in February of 2015. She has been active in a number of youth related activities including Crown Ward Champion events at Seneca College, Winterlude and the Youth Civics Day held this month in Toronto. She has also been part of the Executive of the Kawartha-Haliburton CAS Youth in Care group. Kaya’s leadership qualities and her warm and friendly personality make everyone she meets feel special.
Kym is a tenacious young lady who has had to face adversity in her life. She has been able to overcome challenges with supports from the community and the Society and is now expecting to attend Loyalist College in September in their Developmental Services Worker program.
Cody, a young man in the care of Highland Shores Children’s Aid, was the recipient of a one-time Clark Award of $1,000 which is offered to young people who are pursuing education, employment or skills development programs and require financial assistance. The grant is available for tuition, equipment, tools or other requirements.
Cody was scouted by Sault College to join their basketball team and has accepted their offer into the Police Foundations program. The letter Cody received from Sault College noted, "You have been recommended to us as an elite level student-athlete. Given the tremendous accomplishments to this point in your basketball career, there is no doubt that you are the epitome of the athlete we look for."
Alex is the recipient of the Douglas Nutter Bursary provided by Highland Shores Children’s Aid and valued at $1000 this year. She has been accepted by Queens University in the Nursing Program. Douglas Nutter was an Executive Director with the former Northumberland Children’s Aid Society. Tragically, he passed away in an accident. This award was created by that Society in recognition of his commitment to children and youth. Alex who has a strong record in the community and at school as an active volunteer and leader has been involved in Kick’s for a Cure, Pedal for Hope, Relay for Life and Habitat for Humanity. She also works at Camp Trillium in the summer months. Alex received her award at the Reach for Success Youth Awards held on May 22nd in Belleville.
Jennifer Wilson, Executive Director for the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society and Mark Kartusch, Executive Director for Highland Shores Children’s Aid congratulated all the award winners and wished them much success as they continued on their chosen educational paths.
