Quinte Arts Council is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2024 graduating student bursaries.
Each year Quinte Arts Council awards six bursaries to students graduating from secondary schools in Hastings and Prince Edward counties who are proceeding to further education at a university or college in Canada, with the aim of pursuing a career in the arts.
- Elaine A. Small Bursary: Christopher Virtue as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Elaine A. Small Bursary. Small was a renowned author and singer. We extend our heartfelt thanks to her spouse, Richard Haeberlin, for sponsoring this bursary. Christopher Virtue, a deserving graduate from Quinte Christian High School, shares his passion for music and writing. In his own words: “I’ll be pursuing a double major in Music Performance and English Writing at Redeemer University in Hamilton. It is my goal to become a music teacher and inspire my students the same way I’ve been inspired.”
- Susan Richardson Bursary: Christopher Virtue has also been awarded this bursary. Susan Richardson was a respected member of the Belleville Choral Society for 39 years, including 15 years as Music Director. She was also a well-known organist and recipient of the Quinte Arts Council’s Arts Recognition Award and a provincial Arts and Culture Award. Although the funding for the Susan Richardson Bursary has expired, we encourage donations to the Quinte Arts Council to support this bursary and help keep the arts thriving.
- Quinte Arts Council Student Bursary: Congratulations to Elizabeth “Austin” Mascarenhas, a recent graduate of Nicholson Catholic College. Austin is the recipient of a $1000 bursary. She shared her aspiration: “My biggest dream is to help others find the methods of self-expression that make them feel the happiest and most fulfilled. It’s for this reason that I want to become a secondary school arts teacher.”
- Hugh P. O’Neil Bursary: We celebrate Eva McComb, a recent graduate of Nicholson Catholic College. Eva has shown exceptional talent and dedication to the arts. She stated, “Teaching has always been an interest of mine because of my mother who is also a teacher, and Mr. Craig opened my eyes to how many lives I could help and nurture through that profession.”
- Quinte Arts Council Graduating Bursary: Sarah “Jade” Belley, a recent graduate of Bayside Secondary School, has received this bursary. Jade has demonstrated remarkable dedication and talent in the arts. She expressed her commitment: “What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to making a positive environmental impact on the world, a commitment I have held since I was four.”
- Hugh P. O’Neil Bursary: Jade is also the recipient of the prestigious Hugh P. O’Neil Bursary through the Quinte Arts Council. Well done Jade!
Quinte Arts Council remains dedicated to supporting young artists in our community and fostering their growth and development.
For more information, please contact:
