Scholarship Winner A Born Leader

Allison Arsenault, 2007 winner of the Wally McIntosh Memorial Scholarship, has just finished up a successful first term in the concurrent education program at Queen’s University, Kingston.  Majoring in math with a minor in art history, she will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree along with a Bachelor of Education and is already planning a career in elementary education.  The daughter of Rob Arsenault E.S. Fox Limited vice president and chief financial officer, Allison scored the highest average of ten other applicants with 94.5.

In keeping with the conditions of the $1000 scholarship qualifications, she also exhibited an impressive profile of community service, clearly demonstrates stellar leadership qualities and those of a first-rate citizen.

Setting the bar high is obviously Allison’s style.  Each one of her referees spoke of her in glowing terms in relation to her academic performance and her community work, spanning a broad range of constituents.  The principal of Notre Dame College School commended her for outstanding leadership as a “true ambassador” for the school whose “dedication and volunteerism has made a difference in the lives of individuals and is a true testament of her kindness and compassion.”

Claiming that he could think of no better words to describe Allison’s character and approach to leadership and life, the director of a summer camp for teenagers where Allison worked described her by quoting a wise old saying: “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.”  Emphasizing her leadership qualities, he praised her empathy, her insistence of being a positive behavioural role model and a willing and effective listener.

“Allison understands these keys to success implicitly and acts on them daily.” he said.

A member of the Kumon Learning Centre noted Allison’s success as a tutor in its Reading Program.  Mentioning her pro-active teaching style, she described Allison as a patient, kind and communicative instructor, always punctual, willing and unflinching in the face of challenge.

“She has been a valuable part of our staff and will be sorely missed as she heads off to university.” she said.

Not one to miss an opportunity for self-improvement, Allison drew on her community work to hone her organizational skills.  Working with the Angel Tree Network in collaboration with Abitibi, Allison was part of a network of providing gifts for underprivileged children, at the same time learning “the value of effective time management skills.”  Working with the Open Arms Mission, serving meals for those in need taught her the value of a positive attitude in a team work ethic.  In her letter thanking OSM for the scholarship award, she promised a good return on the investment.

“Since arriving at school, I’ve come to realize how costly attending university really is so I can assure you that I will be putting the scholarship to good use.”  Given Allison’s track record to date, this is a promise she is bound to keep.

Officials at Lampton College have awarded $500 to Mark Moore, a student in the Mechanical Technician-Industrial Maintenance Program, fulfilling the condition of the Wally McIntosh that a deserving student at Lampton, close to McIntosh’s home, also have access to scholarship support.

OSM extends its congratulations to both winners and best wishes for their future achievements.