Scholarship for student to head to university

By Courtney Bachar/The Oshawa Express/LJI Reporter

Every year, the Oshawa Professional Firefighters Association (OPFFA) honours the dependent of one of its members with a scholarship to help with their post-secondary education.

This year, the Oshawa Firefighters Scholarship went to 17-year-old Renee Richard, daughter of Captain Paul Richard. Renee is currently finishing her final year of secondary school before heading off to Queen’s University in Ottawa to study nursing.

“It’s amazing. It’s so helpful in so many different ways,” says Renee. “It makes me feel honoured that they selected me,” she continues, adding she has always worked hard in academics, sports and leadership clubs, has been on student council and the leadership committee.

“So, to be recognized is just an amazing feeling, especially by such an amazing organization,” says Renee.

The scholarship has been awarded annually since 2015 and is given to a dependent of an OPFFA member who shows a commitment to the broader community to help them with their post-secondary education.