JAMES RATCLIFFE SCHOLARSHIP
The recipient of the James Ratcliffe Scholarship will receive up to $4500 distributed as an annual payment of $1500 per year, for up to three years of full-time university study seeking a degree following CEGEP. Funding for this annual scholarship will come from the James Ratcliffe Foundation, established by the Hudson Volunteer Firefighters and with the Ratcliffe Family’s approval and oversight, following the death of James during a fire-fighting training exercise on June 6, 2006. The James Ratcliffe Foundation is committed to maintaining this as an annual scholarship by organizing various fundraisers throughout the year. If the fundraising exceeds goals, the funds will be distributed to projects that benefit the students of Westwood Junior or Westwood Senior and voted on by our board of directors.
Background
Those who knew James Ratcliffe would agree that he was a great friend to many and inclusive of almost everyone as his friend. James was very fond of mentoring those with difficulty or challenges. James was also a very well-rounded citizen with active participation in many aspects of High School and the community. James held himself to very high moral and ethical standards, and brought a consistent good attitude and strong effort to his entire life. Above all else, James had a plan for his life and worked hard to be right where he planned to be, his life success was not at all accidental. James Ratcliffe was a gifted student, but he had vast compassion and empathy for those who overcame learning difficulties or other challenges along the way. The Ratcliffe Family feels that there are already many awards for high achievement that inevitably exclude the student who put forth exceptional effort but was only able to achieve average grades. We want this award to be available to any graduating student with passing grades who plans to attend university in the future.
James was an excellent debater and a very strong communicator. It is therefore the desire of the Ratcliffe Family that any students who wish to apply for the James Ratcliffe Scholarship will do so by way of writing a short essay (500 – 1000 words) outlining and explaining why they best fit the four aspects of the criteria and are most deserving of this award. In the spirit of mentoring that James enjoyed, students may enlist a teacher or administrator not on the selection committee to mentor and advise them on preparation of this application essay.
Testimonial
"Receiving the James Ratcliffe Scholarship was an incredible honor and although I never had the privilege of knowing James, I have heard nothing but wonderful things about him over the years and feel that this scholarship in his name is a fitting way to commemorate his life and positive impact.
During my time at Westwood Senior, I remember learning about the James Ratcliffe Scholarship and hearing and reading about the kind of person and student James was. It was inspiring to read about how he continuously strived to bring about change to both his school and his community through his concrete engagement in student life and firefighting, among other endeavors.
After high school, I completed my DEC at John Abbott college and then went on to McGill university where I received a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Science and Technology. I am now a high school science teacher at the Lester B. Pearson Schoolboard and absolutely loving it.
While at McGill, the annual financial award of $1500 helped to pay for a significant portion of my tuition and I am immensely grateful for that as it helped remove some of the financial burden
that otherwise would have added layers of additional stress.
I hope Westwood continues to offer this scholarship to its graduates as it not only represents a perfect way to honor James’ legacy, but also encourages students to live up to his example and the high standards that he set."
-Meagan Dias
Recipient of the James Ratcliffe Scholarship, 2011
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About James Ratcliffe Foundation
A fundraising organization based in Hudson, Québec. Our mission is to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need by raising funds and supporting initiative at Westwood High School. With a dedicated board of directors and strong support from our community, we strive to make a difference in the lives of the student's of Westwood Junior and Senior.
At the James Ratcliffe Foundation, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to thrive. Through our fundraising efforts, we aim to provide essential resources and support to the students, while maintaining our annual commitment to the scholarship program at Westwood Senior. Join us in our journey to make a lasting impact and contribute to building a more compassionate and inclusive community
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