Four exceptional graduating students from Northumberland secondary schools have been recognized with $1,500 bursaries from the Marie Dressler Foundation.
The bursaries have been awarded for more than 25 years in support of local students going on to full-time post-secondary studies in performing- and visual-arts programs. They recognize excellence in academic achievement, personal achievement and volunteer contribution to the community. In recent years, the Bill Patchett Devotion to Community Award has been added to recognize a bursary winner whose contributions to the community are considered exceptional.
This year’s student-bursary recipients are Graham Beer, Kieva Earle and Ben Hughes. A fourth student, Sydney Stewart, has been announced as the winner of the 2018 Patchett award.
Foundation president and chair Rick Miller said in the foundation’s press release that these bursaries are made possible through volunteers, sponsors, donors and patrons of their annual Vintage FIlm Festival (and other fund-raising events).
BIOGRAPHY FOR: GRAHAM BEER Presenter: Scott Fraser
I am pleased to announce that Graham Beer is the recipient of a “2018 Student Bursary Award”.
Graham is passionate about broadcast and television journalism.
I understand that since he was quite young, Graham has explored this passion. As Executive Producer of Cobourg Media, Graham has focused his efforts on promoting and sharing current events in and around Cobourg. In fact, in many cases, Graham has “scooped” the traditional media sources with his “on the scene” reporting.
And for fun events, Graham has produced Cobourg Media Christmas Specials for the past four years.
As Prime Minister of Cobourg Collegiate Institute’s Student Council, Graham leads the school community and promotes a diversity of school events while he has been active in theatre productions, school sports teams, and many community service initiatives while achieving first class honours.
Graham is a winner of Merit Awards for Enterpreneurship Business and also for Communications Technology.
Graham is enrolled in RTA Media Production at Ryerson University.
Good luck Graham in your future endeavours!
BIOGRAPHY FOR: KIEVA EARLE Presenter: Cathie Houston
I am pleased to announce that Kieva Earle is the recipient of a “2018 Student Bursary Award”.
Kiera’s passion is music.
She has been an active performer in music theatre, notably as the lead Maria in the school’s production of “The Sound of Music” as well as impressive roles with Northumberland Players and set and stage design.
Kieva is active in not only performing in choirs, and with SONG, but also helping with the mentoring of younger members.
Kieva is also an accomplished athlete in many sports, and is particularly successful in wrestling where she has achieved high standings at the provincial and national levels.
Along with Kieva achieving the highest academic average among the grade 12 students at St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School, she is also enrolled in the school’s Arts & Culture Specialist High Skills Major program which provides students with an excellent foundation for pursuing further education in the Arts and Culture sector.
Kieva is enrolled in Bishops University in Music and Secondary Education.
Good luck Kieva in your future endeavours!
BIOGRAPHY FOR: BENJAMIN HUGHES Presenter: Terry Foord
I am pleased to announce that Benjamin Hughes is the recipient of a “2018 Student Bursary Award”.
Benjamin’s passions are film and music.
Benjamin is an accomplished musician and he has performed in major productions at his school, most notably in AIDA. He had one of his own written plays selected for a night show performance at his school, with him directing the production.
At East Northumberland Secondary School, as a BAM (Buddies and Mentors) leader, Benjamin provides support to incoming Grade 9 students as a mentor and positive role model and is considered a true leader.
Benjamin is an Honour Role student and has already achieved two College credits in writing for the screen. Benjamin’s aspiration is to become a film director.
Benjamin is enrolled in Ryerson University for the Image Arts: Film Studies Program.
Good luck Benjamin in your future endeavours!
BIOGRAPHY FOR: SYDNEY STEWART Presenter: Rick Miller
I am pleased to announce that Sydney Stewart is the recipient of the “2018 Bill Patchett Devotion to Community Award”.
Sydney’s passion is visual arts.
As an accomplished young artist and volunteer elementary school art instructor, Sydney believes that the arts have a strong positive impact on mental health. She plans to go into art therapy or teaching art as a career.
At Cobourg Collegiate Institute, Sydney has achieved 100% in every visual arts course she has taken – a stunning achievement. Her artwork has been featured and rewarded in many art shows and competitions.
Sydney exemplifies the spirit of Cobourg philanthropist Bill Patchett in her dedication to volunteering. As a social activist, Sydney is committed to helping others.
Sydney has been a valued volunteer for many organizations such as Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation Youth Cares Committee, various CCI teams, Habitat for Humanity, Rebound Child & Youth Services, Cornerstone and many other charitable organizations. She is also a mentor for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board’s KP Arts Camp.
Sydney is an exceptional student and recently she was recognized by the Loran Scholars’ Foundation who placed her among the top 10% of young people in Canada.
Sydney is enrolled in Huron University College at the University of Western Ontario in Psychology and Visual Arts.
Good luck Sydney in your future endeavours!
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
