Virginia Cowan Memorial Bursary

Virginia Cowan Memorial Bursary

Virginia Cowan left us far too soon. This bursary provides opportunities to young women so they can reach their fullest potential. Virginia played an active role in all aspects of school life at PECI: organizing extra-curricular trips, joining sports teams, students’ council and excelling in academia; she graduated in 1991. After high-school, she attended Bishop’s University where she played on the women’s rugby team, field hockey team and became accredited as a CFA. Upon graduating in 1995, she worked in the financial sector for a large, multi-national investment firm. Virginia was diagnosed with a rare form of soft tissue Sarcoma shortly after graduation. She stubbornly continued to work while receiving treatment, she never stopped laughing, contributing to her community and looking to the future. Her journey ended in February, 2001.

Presented annually, a bursary for $2,000, to a graduating PECI student who identifies as female or non-binary pursuing post-secondary education who has participated widely in school life, sports, and community.

Willi was a great promoter of the County, and made every effort to showcase locally grown food. He gradually attracted other chefs to the area, thereby helping to establish the County as a culinary mecca. He passed away in 2007. His two children, Alexandre and Melanie, continue to run the restaurant.

Each year, a bursary of $1,500 shall be awarded up to two young people (under 30 years of age) from Prince Edward County who are pursuing a post-secondary culinary education.

How to Apply

Applications should include the following component pieces:

Completed application form (available below)
A short essay (less than 1000 words) OR video (less than 5 minutes to be sent to info@thecountyfoundation.ca or to our social media channels) highlighting the essential elements of post-secondary plans, activities in PECI and in the community. Be specific in listing any leadership activities, special projects or initiatives, including what motivates you to pursue higher education and what your ambitions are after school.
Copy of your most recent high school transcript.
Copy of acceptance (letter or email) into the post-secondary institution.

The deadline for applications is May 31st each year.

Announcements will be made at graduation.

Online Application Form

Printable PDF Form
Applications can be scanned and emailed to info@thecountyfoundation.ca
OR mailed or dropped off to The County Foundation, Unit 104, 35 Bridge Street, PO Box 24, Picton, ON, K0K 2T0

Past Winners

2023 – Kaydence Channell, Algonquin College
2021 – Gracie Burris, University of Guelph

Accessibility

The County Foundation is happy to accept a short video instead of a written response to any scholarship or bursary application questions or essay portions. If you have any accessibility needs or require additional assistance then please feel free to reach out to info@thecountyfoundation.ca or call us at 613-519-4470.