Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 29/05) - Being able to communicate in more than one language is important to Kirsten Mahler.

Showing the initiative to study for her science degree in the French language earned her a $500 Lilly Borges - Oldham second language scholarship from the Yellowknife Community Foundation.

"It may give me a greater opportunity for more jobs and experience more cultures," said Mahler, who will be studying biology at the Faculte Saint-Jean at the University of Alberta this fall.

Started in 1993, the foundation awards scholarships for post-secondary education, said Ian Legaree, grants committee chair of the Yellowknife Community Foundation.

The foundation receives funds in memory of citizens prominent in their field and "we spend the interest on charitable and good works in the community," Legaree said.

"This year, we will probably grant between $8,000 and $10,000 in total," he said.

A recent ceremony held at the Loraine Minish-Cooper Garden awarded grants to students, a boys group, girls circle and also the Garden of Hope.

Derrick Kocik received the Northern Aviation Scholarship fund, established to commemorate the lives of northern aviators Jim Smith and John Bidwell.

Kocik will enter the third year of a four-year aviation program at the University of North Dakota.

"It's been a lifelong dream to fly," Kocik said.

Michael Gilday, an award-winning speed skater from Yellowknife, received a $500 grant through the Mary Beth Miller Memorial Fund.

He plans to continue his education at the University of Calgary and short track speed skating training at the Olympic Oval next month.

"My biggest goal this year is to try and make the World Junior Championships," Gilday said.

Traditional activities

The Dozhii Boys group and Ts'eko girls circle in Ndilo received a $500 grant.

"We will use the funds to help with traditional activities," Steve Smith, head of the Dene boy's group said.

Miranda Booth received the Jenny Gamble-Fournier Memorial scholarship.

She plans to use the funds to pursue her interest in communications.

The Garden of Hope was granted $900 from the Loraine Minish Cooper Memorial fund.