Students receive intense academic support in the subjects with which they struggle. Last April twenty-five teachers spent 6 weeks; the result-
Graduates!
Rhonda, our northern program director at a recent graduation in Mistissini. This excited graduate won the Olivia Spencer award.
Olivia Spencer Award
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 15, 2013 APPLICATION: Olivia Spencer Award Application
Olivia Spencer
The Olivia Spencer Award is a recognition of academic achievement annually awarded to two First Nation or Inuit students from across Canada. The students are in their graduating year of high school. Throughout their academic career candidates have demonstrated a desire for academic excellence, exceptional leadership skills, and a strong sense of culture and identity. All students can articulate a desire and method for contributing to their communities through advancing their own education. Candidates are planning and applying to a post secondary institution for the following year of study.
Olivia Spencer was a Cree School Board teacher for over 20 years in Chisasibi. She is extremely passionate about the success of her students and represents what it truly means to be a teacher. Her caring manner, warm smile and firm but kind approach ensured her students not only reached their maximum potential but enjoyed learning along the way. It is incalculable how many lives have been improved through her guidance.
Olivia is a model of how great a teacher can be throughout their career and how their passion and dedication only strengthens with experience. For Elephant Thoughts, and all who know her, she serves as a reminder of how teachers can ultimately change the world, one student at a time. It is our firm belief that if we could provide an Olivia for every student everywhere, the world would be a much better place.
This award carries a financial recognition for the students aimed at helping them pay for post secondary expenses beyond housing and tuition. Olivia’s brother, Peter Watkins, a successful Canadian businessman, passionate about supporting education for underrepresented youth, was the first major donor to help build the awards foundation. This award will indefinitely celebrate the life’s work of his sister.
Olivia Spencer was instrumental in introducing Elephant Thoughts to work with First Nations students in Canada’s far north in addition to our work internationally. She has throughout her years been one of the organization’s closest friends and inspirations, so much that Olivia is now, and forever will be considered, “The Grandmother of Elephant Thoughts.”
Information about the award and how to nominate candidates can be requested at inquiries [Email address: inquiries #AT# elephantthoughts.com - replace #AT# with @ ] or calling 705 444 2012. Requests for nominations are sent on an annual basis to all First Nations and Inuit schools in Canada.
