Bevan Wilson of Huntsville and Tyler McNay of Burk’s Falls were among the 42 student summer employees awarded educational bursaries last month for outstanding work in Ontario provincial parks.  

The annual $500 bursaries, funded by the corporate partners of Ontario Parks through the Ontario Parks Partners Bursary Program, are awarded to students who are Ontario residents working in provincial parks in Ontario, or employed by “Friends of” organizations.

The students must be entering or already enrolled in post-secondary education in any field of study.

Academic achievement is not a prerequisite for the bursary, and a student can receive the award more than once.

Wilson, who worked at Algonquin Provincial Park, is attending the University of Western Ontario in London. McNay, studying at Fleming College in Lindsay, worked at Arrowhead Provincial Park in Huntsville.

Twelve of the 42 bursary recipients attended an awards ceremony last month at the head office of Coleman Canada, one of the corporate partners, in Brampton, Ontario.

“Coleman Canada is very proud to be part of this bursary program,” said Coleman Canada vice-president and general manager Ezio Sbrizzie. “The enthusiasm these students bring to their roles in Ontario parks is infectious. Their dedication helps create great outdoor experiences for park visitors.”

The bursary program started in 1997 after Ontario Parks’ corporate partners were impressed with the professionalism and dedication of student staff members during a tour of provincial parks.

A decision was made to recognize outstanding summer student workers for initiative, leadership, commitment to customer service and overall dedication to and promotion of the provincial parks system.

Co-workers, supervisors and the public nominate students to receive the bursaries by filling out a one-page nomination form that is given to the respective park superintendent.

The superintendent selects one candidate from the students nominated at their park, adds comments to the form and sends it to the bursary committee.

“By rewarding these young people for their superior performances and encouraging them to pursue higher education, the bursary program is helping them build satisfying careers and lives,” said government and consumer services minister Ted McMeekin.

Natural resources minister Donna Cansfield said students are vital to the operation of Ontario provincial parks. “The students receiving the awards have shown outstanding dedication and a high level of service to parks visitors,” she said.