Since the Penticton Secondary Schools Bursary and Scholarship Foundation was started in 1985, more than $3.7 million have been distributed to students.
That’s a far cry from the single award of $1,000 that was presented when Pen-Hi administrator Len Cox first established the foundation over 25 years ago.
Cox believed in hard work and the power of education to improve lives, often saying that education can provide opportunities more equally to all students. He and many others were determined to build a foundation of donors and volunteers committed to helping students with the high costs of education.
With the encouragement of Dick Pritchard, principal of Pen-Hi at the time, Cox raised funds in the early years by knocking on doors, and networking at any and all community events, soliciting donations from individuals, groups and businesses. Many of these original donors still contribute annually to the foundation and have been joined by hundreds of other donors in and from Penticton.
READ MORE: Donation means more scholarships for Penticton students
All donated funds are used to help students, and funds not distributed in a specific annual award are invested so the interest earned can support more awards well into the future.
The Foundation is grateful to School District 67 for providing space, supplies and clerical support, and appreciates the ongoing assistance of school counsellors, clerical workers and principals.
Directors Chris Araki and Margie Hibbard are currently working on the development of a website for the foundation which will eventually outline a historical perspective, list recipients, and provide updates and ongoing information for students, parents, and donors.
The Penticton Secondary Schools Bursary and Scholarship Foundation is a registered charity, and all donations are tax-deductible. If you would like to make a difference in the life of a young person by helping further their education, new donors are always welcome. More information can be obtained by emailing psbf@sd67.bc.ca .
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