B.C. Women’s Institute recently announced that the recipient of their Memorial Scholarship for 2011-12 is Amanda Thate of Grand Forks, whose parents are Brian and Monica Thate. Grandparents Ella and Clarence Thate and Leona and Stan Sharkey all reside in Grand Forks.

Long Time Member

Because Ella Thate has been a member of Women’s Institute for many years in Boundary country, at Rock Creek and now Grand Forks, the local Sunshine Valley W.I. were pleased to submit the application on  Amanda’s behalf.   She is currently attending the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, focusing on studies in the health field.

Memorial Fund Began in 1949

The Memorial Fund was started in 1949, named in recognition of, and to honour the gallant and faithful Women’s Institute members who passed on.  W.I. branches were encouraged to submit a deceased members name and a donation to the Fund.  Originally this was used to provide one or more scholarships per year, to a candidate who was the daughter of a member.  This was later exp­­anded to include grandmothers who were WI members and sons/grandsons of members were also considered.  Every year one or more scholarships are awarded to qualifying young men and women to assist in their education, reinforcing the Women’s Institute motto to ‘build a better tomorrow’.Jean Johnson is our guest post. Jean is a WI member.