2023 marked the 15th continuous year of our foundation awarding scholarships to exceptional students from Lakes District Secondary School. For the scholarship awards in 2023, the Burns Lake and District Community Foundation made a major change by doubling the scholarship amount.  Each of the two scholarships was increased to $2,000 from the previous amount of $1,000. The merit-based criteria for the scholarship awards include students attending a minimum 2-year full time post secondary program, and exemplary high school academic accomplishments coupled with being actively involved in the school, and within the community.  

Since the inception of the Paul Jean Burns Lake and District Community Foundation Scholarship program in 2009, we have awarded $31,000 in scholarships to twenty-nine (29) students. I believe that our scholarships have greatly impacted the success of our candidates in their pursuit of a post secondary education.

Although the number of applicants applying for our scholarships was significantly lower in 2023, with only five students applying, all the candidates were exceptional academic students and very involved in their community and school.  The recipients of the Paul Jean Burns Lake and District Community Foundation Scholarships for 2023 were Linden Sackney and Nina Stiffler.  Both these students will be pursuing careers in the nursing profession. We wish them great success in procurement of their university education.

Our Foundation should be immensely proud of the contributions we have made over the last fifteen (15) years assisting students from Lakes District Secondary School in their pursuit of their post secondary education.  Thanks to committee members, Sandra Barth and Sharon Marr for their assistance in the selection and awarding of the scholarships.  
 

Your truly,

Wendy Benyk
Lakes District Secondary School Scholarship Chair