The annual scholarship program, started in 1996, was developed to recognize students of the community who have demonstrated a high level of either academic or athletic proficiency combined with an ongoing commitment to volunteering in our community.

Two scholarships valued at $1500 each are awarded to area high school students entering college or university in the fall. While students can apply for either an academic or athletic scholarship, the two scholarship streams are rated together with the best two applicants each being awarded a scholarship. Demonstrated community volunteering remains a key component for both scholarships.

In addition to the academic/athletic scholarships referenced above, we offer a third scholarship in the amount of $1,500. The Mark and Shanti Inman Community Service Scholarship is awarded in recognition of Mark and Shanti's long and tireless service to the community and to the Community Association. Through their hard work and dedicated commitment, they have enhanced our lives in the community and have made the Association what it is today. The primary focus for this scholarship award is on community volunteering, with the secondary focus being on scholastic and athletic achievements.

The Scholarship Application Forms for the 2008-2009 scholarships are now available in English and French at the Association's office in the Canterbury Community Centre, in the student services offices at area high schools, and on-line by clicking on the appropriate link below. Completed applications must be postmarked no later than Thursday, May 21, 2009.

We are very pleased to announce last year's winners of the Association's annual scholarship program, started in 1996 to recognize students in the community who have demonstrated a high level of either academic or athletic proficiency combined with an ongoing commitment to volunteering in our community.

Winner of a scholarship for Academic Achievement was Meghan Johnston. Meghan achieved 93% on her grade 12 credits and received silver medals from the OCDSB for grades 10 and 11. Among her many volunteer activities were serving as a committee member on the United Way Youth Action Panel and fundraising for various projects including one for building a school in Sierra Leone.

Nadya Pohran was the winner of an Association Scholarship for Athletic Achievement. Nadya was a 3-year Basketball Captain, and Most Valuable Player in her high school's senior girls basketball. She was a 4-year All-star in Varsity Girls Water Polo, and was co-captain in 2008. Nadya is also a published poet, and wrote, directed, and acted in a youth play on eating disorders.

Our final scholarship is the Mark and Shanti Inman Community Service Scholarship, awarded in recognition of Mark and Shanti's many contributions and years of service to the community and the Association. This year's winner was Naomi Hyba. Naomi achieved a 90% average on her grade 12 credits, was on the Honour Roll in Grade 9, and received silver medals in grades 10 and 11. Among her many volunteer activities, Naomi served as a panel member and fundraiser for CHEO, a panel member and event organizer for the Ottawa Youth Commission, and contributed considerably to the programs run by the Ottawa Youth Commission. She served as a childcare provider, tutor, and receptionist for the AIDS committee of Ottawa, and tutored music at Featherston Public School.

Congratulations to the winners of the Association's 2007-2008 scholarships, and thanks to the members of the Scholarship Committee, Chris and Ellen, who were tasked with the difficult job of selecting the winners from the many worthy applications we received.