by Sylene Argent
Staff of area Libro Credit Union branches were busy supporting the community last week through handing out student bursaries, hosting PA day activities, and organizing a barbeque for the Fight Like Mason Foundation.
Last Wednesday evening, seven area Libro branches joined forces to host the Libro Student Award Program at Oxley Estate Winery. At the event, each branch recognized one outstanding high school student, who is ready to graduate later this month.
Leading up to the awards night, the local credit unions received applications from students, who were ready to embark on their post-secondary studies, and selected finalists. Through this program, Libro awarded $62,000 to deserving 31 students throughout Southwestern Ontario, which means each bursary earner received $2000.
The purpose of the program is the support youth leadership and build prosperity across the region.
Locally, Alexa Mognon (Amherstburg), Samantha DiMario (Belle River), Madison Bohdal (Essex), Dana Ruthven (Harrow), Emma Arnew (Kingsville), Chloe Jakob (Leamington), and Amy Zuccato (Woodslee) were recognized and honoured for their efforts.
“The level of commitment these students have towards their communities and academics is inspiring,” Lori Atkinson said, who is Libro’s Regional Manager for Windsor-Essex. “With such bright futures ahead, we are thrilled to contribute to the education of these seven exceptional young leaders.”
She added that, “For us, it is not just about cutting a cheque. We know funds are helpful and will help your future. It is also about our coaching philosophy.”
Atkinson said it is not easy to start post-secondary education as it is a huge financial investment into a student’s future. “We wish you all the success in the world,” Atkinson said to the students.
Madison Bohdal was the student selected from the Essex Libro Branch. Currently, she is wrapping up her high school career at EDHS, and is looking forward to begin studying social science, psychology, criminology at Western University. She hopes to continue her studies to get into law.
Bohdal is the Deputy Prime Minister of EDHS’s Student Council, enjoys being a Peer Mentor at the school, and has been a volunteer for the Essex County Heroes league for the past three years.
The local student is excited to start her post-secondary studies, but said the transition is bitter-sweet.
On Friday afternoon, the Harrow branch of Libro Credit Union hosted a Kids’ PA Day event and celebration.
A barbequed hotdog lunch, a visit with a pony, and Yoga sessions were available for attendees.
Inside the branch, the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society hosted an adopt-a-pet day. During this portion of the event, visitors were able to meet kittens available for adoption and participate in a trivia game designed to help them learn more about pets.
Tammy Affleck, Libro Harrow’s Branch Manager, said the desire to host the PA day was in celebration of it being the very last one before the end of the school year.
Also on Friday afternoon, the Essex Libro Branch hosted a barbeque lunch to raise funds for the Fight Like Mason Foundation.
Christine Hayes, a receptionist for the Essex branch, explained employees of several area branches of Libro got together to form a team to participate in the Windsor Corporate Challenge, which selected the Fight Like Mason Foundation as its 2019 charity.
Each team has to raise a minimum of $2000 for the charity. The proceeds raised at the Friday’s barbeque will support that fundraising effort.
Hayes said the support for the barbeque was steady, which she was pleased to see.