The Kiwanis Club of Westfort held its annual award evening on Monday, June 9, honouring deserving local high school students and two community volunteers.
Four financial bursaries were presented to deserving graduates on their way to post-secondary education in September. New to the program this year was the addition of two volunteer awards, recognizing the contributions of adult volunteers who support the efforts of children and youth with HEART (Helping kids Excel through Arts and Recreation in Thunder Bay).
Two general bursaries were presented to Hammarskjold High School students Ella Rusnak and Amelia Smith. Both students were highly recommended by school staff, and both are active at school as well as the community at large. In addition to playing extra curricular sports, Ella has volunteered by playing the piano for residents of Walford Thunder Bay as well as assisting with animal care at the CLE. Amelia is also committed to animal welfare by fostering through Northern Critters in Need as well as volunteering for food security projects and Conmee social committee events. Both will continue their studies at Lakehead University, with Ella majoring in kinesiology (concurrent education) and Amelia studying nursing.
Each year, a bursary is given to a student pursuing post-secondary education while also navigating motherhood. This year's recipient, Teagan Fraser, will be attending Confederation College to study early childhood education. Teagan was highly recommended by Lakehead Public Schools staff based on her community efforts through volunteering at both Our Kids Count and the Regional Multicultural Youth Council as well as the kindness and support she provides to other students in her program.
The final bursary is one that is given in memory of a former Westfort Kiwanis Club member, Russell Mayotte. This award is given to a student entering engineering education as Mr. Mayotte was a professional engineer. This year's recipient, Emily-Elizabeth Herron, will begin studies in the mechanical engineering technician program this fall at Confederation College. Emily-Elizabeth excelled academically throughout her high school career at St. Patrick High School while also honing her problem-solving skills as a five year member of the air cadet program.
The evening ended with a presentation to the inaugural recipients of the Volunteer HEART Award. Local community organizations were invited to nominate adult volunteers who give their time to make the community a better place for children and youth, focusing on arts and recreation. A total of 14 nominations were received and the two recipients have combined for over 70 years of giving back. The Thunder Bay Thunderbolts swim club nominated long time volunteer official Kathy Peterson. Kathy started with the Bolts when her children were members, but stayed on as an official to ensure the club was able to offer local competitions for their athletes. Bill Graham, the program coordinator for the Mario's Bowl 10 pin youth league, was the second award winner. Bill was nominated based on his over 30 year committment to the league, as well as his efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for bowlers. His ability to recruit volunteer coaches and his efforts to ensure every bowler receives a year end award were highlighted. Each recipient organization received a $450 grant to continue their good work. The second year of the program will be launched in February, 2026 and local organizations are encouraged to visit the Westfort Kiwanis Club website early in the new year for more information on how to nominate a volunteer.
These bursaries and grants would not be possible without many fundraising initiatives and the Club thanks the community for their support including the Christmas tree lot on the CLE grounds each December and the food both at the Hymers Fall Fair. The Club also acknowledges the support of the patrons of Superior Shores Gaming Association.
For more information on the Westfort Kiwanis Club, including members, please visit our website at www.kiwaniswestfort.ca.
