Gregg Edwards – The Gleaner

As the graduates of Chateauguay Valley Regional High School crossed the stage to receive their diplomas and awards this year, proud family members, friends, teachers, donors, and community members looked on with admiration. For many in attendance, one question often comes to mind: How exactly are all these scholarships and bursaries awarded and distributed? The answer speaks to what makes the CVR Educational Foundation so special. For decades, the Foundation has served as a bridge between Chateauguay Valley Regional High School and the wider community. Its success is rooted in something increasingly rare: a deep and lasting attachment between a community and its local high school. Generations of families have passed through the halls of CVR, and many continue to support today’s students through donations, sponsorships and volunteer work. This strong sense of community ownership is what allows the Foundation to provide an extraordinary level of support to graduating students. This year alone, 77 per cent of the graduating class received a subject prize, award, bursary, or scholarship. The Foundation’s primary mission is to encourage academic excellence and support students pursuing post-secondary education. Each year, 8 to 12 academic scholarships are awarded to the class’s highest academic achievers using a weighted calculation of their grades. This year, they were awarded to Prudence Guérin, Keith Quinn, Lara Brunet-Schryvershof, Tiwari Vigyanshi, Sadie Box, Denver Box, Chelsey Monique, Zoe Hebert and Lucas Surprenant. At the same time, the Foundation recognizes that success is not defined by grades alone. Perseverance, determination, resilience, and hard work are qualities that often lead to success both in school and in life. Many of the Foundation’s awards and bursaries celebrate students who have overcome challenges, shown remarkable commitment, or consistently demonstrated strong character and work ethic. One common misconception concerns the Foundation’s largest scholarships. While some students are announced as recipients of scholarships valued at $10,000, they do not leave graduation with a cheque for the full amount. These scholarships are designed to provide support throughout a student’s post-secondary journey and are generally distributed over a period of up to five years. To continue receiving the funds, students must maintain a minimum academic average and submit proof of successful completion after each semester. Similarly, most bursaries are distributed in two installments, typically one in September and another in January, after students provide proof of enrollment and attendance at their post-secondary institution. Subject prizes and many other awards are generally paid directly to students during the summer months, with distribution taking place in August. This year, 123 prizes, awards, bursaries, and scholarships were presented to graduating students. That number helps explain why CVR’s graduation ceremony has long been known as one of the longest around. It is a mere reflection of the unique bond between CVR and the Chateauguay Valley community. Few high schools can offer their students such an exceptional level of recognition, encouragement, and financial support. The CVR graduation ceremony is truly unique. More than a diploma presentation, it celebrates achievement, perseverance, and community spirit. It is a tradition that highlights the generosity of the Chateauguay Valley, one that we, as a community, can be proud of. Behind every scholarship announcement and every smiling recipient stands a dedicated team of volunteers whose work often goes unseen. As the chairperson of the CVR Educational Foundation, I am proud to be a part of the board of directors that comprises Phyllis Wood, Lynn Harkness, Roberta Filiatrault, Spiro Angelopoulos, Dr. Kelly Rewbotham, and Dr. Jodi Wallace, together with the Foundation coordinator, Josée Ménard. They devote countless hours throughout the year to fundraising, donor relations, scholarship administration, application reviews, and financial oversight. Their efforts ensure that donor contributions are managed responsibly and that deserving students receive meaningful support as they continue their education. Graduation day represents the culmination of months of preparation and countless volunteer hours. For those working behind the scenes, it is also one of the most rewarding moments of the year. Watching students walk across the stage and begin the next chapter of their lives serves as a powerful reminder of why the Foundation’s work matters. The applause heard during graduation is often directed toward the graduates; and rightly so. But it also reflects the collective efforts of a community that believes in its young people, invests in their future, and remains committed to helping them succeed. The CVR Educational Foundation is a testament to the enduring connection between a school and its community, and to the many individuals whose generosity and dedication continue to open doors for the next generation of CVR graduates.