This award was established in honour of Olwen (Evans) Thomas, an educator and administrator with the Calgary Board of Education, who started her career in 1971 as a Social Studies teacher at Crescent Heights High School. Olwen was staff sponsor of the student council and the cheerleaders and was the school librarian for a couple of years before moving on to graduate studies and Special Education for the CBE. She was a leading figure in the development of Special Education for the City of Calgary and the province finishing her career as a Principal at Christine Meikle School and Louise Dean School in 2004. A life-long volunteer in the schools, with the Children’s Cottage, at the University of Calgary, and in the community, Olwen was a very positive presence in the City. She was always a quiet supporter, who blessed her family and friends with many acts of kindness.

Donor

Thomas Family Members

Where Tenable

Crescent Heights High School

Field of Study

Unrestricted

Value

$1,500

Number

One

Eligibility

Open to grade 12 students who are completing the requirements of a high school diploma.

Applicants must demonstrate significant financial need, be conscientious, demonstrate academic progress and have marks sufficient for entrance to a post-secondary area of study.

Applicants must also be outstanding school citizens who are significantly involved in extra-curricular activities and act as positive influences for classmates, adding to the cooperative culture of Crescent Heights High School and, hopefully, to the community at large.

Applicants are required to submit an essay of approximately 500 words describing their contributions to their school and community and sharing their future plans and aspirations.

Applicants are also required to submit one letter of reference, which may be provided from a school official, employer, or a community leader representing a community-based organization familiar with their extracurricular work.

Selection will be based on financial need, the student’s school and community involvement, the essay and the letter of reference.

Apply

Online application available at www.educationmatters.ca. Applicants should check with their guidance office for more information and are encouraged to discuss their application with the Scholarship Coordinator at Crescent Heights High school.

Selection & Payment

Recipients will be selected and notified by September. Selection will be made by a selection committee at Crescent Heights High School, including a representative from EducationMatters and may or may not include the donor. To claim the award, within twelve (12) months of notification of award, the recipient must be registered in an eligible program of post-secondary study in Canada of at least two years duration, or an eligible skilled trades or apprenticeship program. Payments will be made to the post-secondary institution.

Deadline

May 30