Thank you for making a difference
On behalf of RAYS students, their families and our volunteers, we want to thank you for investing in the future of our local area youth. Your support makes a real difference.
2020 has certainly been a different experience operating in the upheaval caused by COVID 19 and we applaud RAYS scholarship and bursary students for meeting the challenge and adapting to virtual learning. RAYS Scholarship and Bursary Committees have been successful in meeting virtually to coordinate with school guidance counsellors and interview candidates for awards. Congratulations to RAYS students, graduates and volunteers for a successful 2020.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
This spring 2020, four award winners graduated from their university programs.
| 2020 Graduate | University Program | Next Chapter |
| Valerie Binder | U of Ottawa – French and Biology | Teaching program at Olomouc University, Czech Republic |
| Rylee McGregor | U of Guelph, Biological Sciences | Postgraduate Naturopathy Program, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine |
| Abby Ruppert | Acadia University, Kinesiology | Working in Collingwood and exploring post-graduate programs |
| Taylor Watson | Queen’s University, Nursing | Launching nursing career at Kingston General Hospital |
2020 Scholarship Award winners
RAYS Board approved scholarship awards of $20,000 over four years for three new high school graduates beginning university programs in September 2020.
- May Black, of New Lowell, is attending the Bachelor of Music Program at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo.
- Eden Lloyd, of Creemore, began studies at Western University in the Social Sciences Program.
- Ella McLean, of Nottawa, is attending the University of Prince Edward Island in the BSc Biology, pre-veterinary program.
BURSARY PROGRAM
RAYS Board approved bursary awards of $1000 to $2000 for eleven new high school graduates beginning college or apprenticeship programs in September 2020.
| Laura Balding, Mulmur | Police Foundations Program, Niagara College |
| Ashley Dunn, Creemore | Early Childhood Education, Cambrian College, Sudbury |
| Dawson Fielding, Stayner | Electrician Apprenticeship Program, Ontario College of Trades |
| Erin Grant, Stayner | Police Foundations, Humber College |
| Makenna Halliday, Dunedin | Social Services Development Worker Program, Canadore College, North Bay |
| Zachery Hayward, Creemore | Electrician Apprenticeship Program |
| Grace Millsap, Creemore | Agricultural Diploma Program, affiliated with the University of Guelph |
| Travis Sacerty, Creemore | General Machinist Program, Georgian College |
| Mike Squire, Stayner | Renovation Techniques and Construction Carpentry Program, Canadore College |
| Ben Taylor, Creemore | Mechanical Technician Precision Skills Program, Georgian College |
| Emma Woodhouse, Stayner | Paramedic Program at Cambrian College in Sudbury |
RAYS scholarship and bursary students are busy in their educational and training programs. Overall, in 2020, RAYS donors are supporting a total of 11 local area students with scholarships and 18 local students with bursaries.
We’re pleased that the generous support of donors like you is a significant assistance to students. Recent graduate, Valerie Binder noted that receiving both mentoring and financial support for four years from RAYS meant “so much less stress for me.”
Since 2012, RAYS has:
- awarded 24 university scholarships: 12 students have graduated
- awarded bursaries to 45 students in college programs and trade schools
- attracted over $350,000 for funding scholarships and bursaries
We want you to know that both the students and their families value the generosity of RAYS donors.
Other developments at RAYS
- RAYS Board Changes: In early 2020, Barbara Lemaire joined the Board and now chairs the Scholarship Committee. Continuing on the Board are Judy Alexander (chair), Geoff Davies (member-at-large), Nick Forrest (bursary chair), Anna Hobbs (communications), James McSherry (secretary treasurer), and Susan Tremblay (fund development).
- As of September 30th, RAYS Scholarship Trust was closed and all resources consolidated under RAYS Resources for Area Youth Success. This effectively streamlines the work of RAYS to a single corporate entity. We thank trustees Anne Godwin, Doug Mills, Anna-Lisa Mantesso and Jim McPherson for their stewardship of the Trust over the past years.
- RAYS community outreach has been strengthened by articles in the Creemore Echo and by our float in the Santa Claus Parade. The 2019 Holiday Party in December at the Legion was attended by more than sixty people.
- RAYS AGM reviewing accomplishments and financials of 2019 was held in July through ZOOM and attended by all of RAYS Board and Committee members.
- RAYS benefits tremendously from the involvement of our volunteer committee members – Christine Jenkins, Lynda Jeffery, Sandra Lackie, Ron March, Heather Rowell, Maureen Quigley.
Your support of RAYS and local area youth is highly valued. You’re investing in a brighter future.
Donations to RAYS are welcome payable to RAYS Resources for Area Youth Success, P.O. Box 2052, Creemore, ON L0M 1G0
Best regards,
Judy Alexander, Chair of the Board, RAYS
Susan Tremblay, Chair, Fund Development