At the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams—regardless of financial barriers. Each year, thanks to the generosity and vision of our donors, graduating students across the region receive bursary support that helps turn those dreams into reality.
Bursaries are more than financial assistance. They are a powerful expression of community care—ensuring that students with demonstrated financial need can access post-secondary education and build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and our region.
A Community Investing in Its Youth
In 2025, the Community Foundation proudly awarded bursaries to graduates from Bimose Community High School, Beaver Brae Secondary School, and Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. Each ceremony was filled with pride and excitement, celebrating not only academic achievement, but also leadership, creativity, resilience, and community involvement.
These awards were made possible through a diverse range of donor-established funds, including:
- Wauzhusk Onigum Education Bursaries
- Roger and Jane Swanson Music Education Bursaries
- Royal Canadian Legion Branch #13 Bursaries
- Forest Capital of Canada Bursary Awards
- Knights of Columbus Bursary Awards
- Miss Cookie–Carol Wicks Bursary Fund
- Women’s Place Kenora Bursary Fund
- Michael R. Douglas Indigenous Student Bursary Award
Each fund reflects a unique story of generosity—individuals, families, and organizations choosing to invest in the next generation.
Celebrating Student Achievement
Among this year’s recipients were exceptional students whose accomplishments and aspirations stood out:
- Lazarus Constant (Bimose Community High School), recipient of the Wauzhusk Onigum Education Bursary
- James Bell (Beaver Brae Secondary School), recipient of both the Miss Cookie–Carol Wicks Bursary and the Roger and Jane Swanson Music Education Bursary
- Julian Rhind (Beaver Brae Secondary School), recipient of the Forest Capital of Canada and Wauzhusk Onigum bursaries
- Samantha Oldford (Beaver Brae Secondary School), recipient of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #13 Bursary
- Sophie Muise (Saint Thomas Aquinas High School), recipient of the Women’s Place Kenora bursary
- Wyatt Greer (Saint Thomas Aquinas High School), recipient of the Forest Capital of Canada bursary
- Diana Soto Payares, West Ranville, and Kolton Emond, recipients of Knights of Columbus bursaries
- Javan Ura (Saint Thomas Aquinas High School), recipient of both the Roger and Jane Swanson Music Education Bursary and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #13 Bursary
Looking Ahead
Applications for the 2026 bursary program will open soon, and graduating students are encouraged to connect with their high school guidance counsellors for more information.
For those inspired to make a lasting impact, establishing a bursary fund is one of the most meaningful ways to give back. By investing in education, donors help shape the future of our region—one student at a time.