Anchored in Hope: Leonard and Doris Clarke Memorial Fund
The Leonard and Doris Clarke Memorial Scholarship and Awards support Bell Island’s youth in shaping their tomorrow.
St. Michael’s Regional High School is in the heart of Wabana, a small town with a population of fewer than 2,000 residents, situated amidst the windswept landscape of Bell Island, just off Newfoundland’s coast. A scholarship at the school encapsulates the very essence of what it means to be a part of Bell Island: the indomitable spirit of its people, the value of community, and the innate desire to create a better future for generations to come.
Nurturing Dreams and Ambitions
Principal Jasmine Brazil – a Bell Island native and a proud St. Michael’s graduate herself – champions her students’ dreams and ambitions, all the while empathizing with their challenges and the significant hurdles they encounter. “Bell Island is a wonderful community, but we face the challenges of a dwindling population and limited access to amenities,” Brazil explains. “The cost of living is at an all-time high, so you can only imagine the struggles our students wishing to attend postsecondary school face today. Either they are working part-time jobs, taking out large student loans, or both to survive.”
The Leonard and Doris Clarke Memorial Scholarship and Awards
This is where the Leonard and Doris Clarke Memorial Scholarship and Awards, a bequest from the late Clarke couple that bears testament to their community dedication, comes into play. The $2,500 scholarship and five supplementary awards applaud academic achievement, with a focus on kindness, compassion, empathy, hard work, and determination. Doris and Leonard chose a spend-down model for their funds, ensuring that all their resources are used over the course of 20 years to support the scholarship and awards.
Impact Beyond the Individual
Principal Brazil observes that the announcement of the award has motivated students to become more involved in their school and community. This heightened sense of civic engagement is vital for a community that can struggle with having sufficient resources to thrive. For Principal Brazil, the scholarship is not only financial assistance but also a catalyst for unlocking the potential of students as they strive to achieve their goals. “For many of our students, pursuing post-secondary education represents a first in their families,” explains Brazil. “These scholarships open up opportunities and make a real difference in their lives.”
An Enduring Legacy
As the tides rise and fall along Bell Island’s rugged shores, St. Michael’s students navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving world. The Leonard and Doris Memorial Scholarship and Awards serve as a steadfast pillar of support, empowering students to pursue their dreams. This enduring legacy will reverberate through generations, inspiring, uplifting, and transforming lives for decades to come.
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