Friday August 14, 2020 | GREATER VICTORIA, BC
by Mary Brooke, editor | West Shore Voice News
Two scholarships honoring slain police officers were awarded this week by the Capital Regional District (CRD) Traffic Safety Commission. As announced on August 13:
- Cassandra Olson from Belmont Secondary School in Langford was awarded the fourth annual $2,000 Cst. Sarah Beckett Memorial Scholarship.
- Faith Brown from Stelly’s Secondary School in Saanichton was awarded a $2,000 scholarship by the Vancouver Island Slain Police Officers Fund, which was created to honour officers killed in the line of duty.
Commitment to community:
“These students both demonstrate a remarkable dedication to excellence and commitment to their communities. Their work ethic is remarkable and it is wonderful to be able to support these two young people on their path,” said Cliff McNeil-Smith, Chair of the Traffic Safety Commission.
Fourth year for the Cst. Sarah Beckett Memorial Scholarship:
This is the fourth year that the CRD Traffic Safety Commission has awarded the Cst. Sarah Beckett Memorial Scholarship to a post-secondary student living in the capital region who demonstrates academic achievement, financial need, community service, and an expressed interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement.
“Reviewing applications for these scholarships is an inspiring experience. We are fortunate to have many outstanding community-minded young people who are striving to achieve their dreams,” added McNeil-Smith.
Cst. Sarah Beckett — a mother of two young children — lost her life at age 32 in a tragic automobile crash in the early morning hours of April 5, 2016 in central Langford.
Subsequently, the CRD Traffic Safety Commission created the scholarship to elevate awareness of traffic safety issues and the community service provided by police.
CRD Traffic Safety Commission:
The CRD Traffic Safety Commission is responsible for traffic safety education programs and makes recommendations to the CRD Board to increase road safety in the region.
Scholarships:
Grade 12 students apply for scholarships during their final year of high school, for recognition and financial support in areas of their career goals.