May 31: Stan Parsons Scholarship...
Vancity's Stan Parsons Memorial Scholarship Goes to Outstanding Burnaby Student
Vancouver, May 31, 2000 - Burnaby grade 12 student and community volunteer Victor Law has been awarded Vancity's prestigious Stan Parsons Memorial Scholarship for 2000.
The $2,000 scholarship was presented to Law last night at Alpha secondary school's graduation ceremony by Sandra Custance, financial services advisor at Vancity's North Burnaby branch.
"Victor is an exemplary student with a strong personal commitment to community service," said Vancity Chair Greg McDade. "At Vancity, our core purpose is to work with people and communities to help them thrive and prosper. Victor clearly shares this philosophy. He has devoted hundreds of hours to volunteer with young people and others in his community, while earning the highest marks in all his academic studies.
"Vancity is delighted to award Victor this scholarship, and wishes him continued success in the future."
Since July, 1998, Law has volunteered at the Britannia Community Services Centre, participating in recreational activities around Vancouver with young people who have developmental or physical disabilities. He has also volunteered for several events at Gilmour Ave. community school, and is a regular volunteer at Burnaby Hospital's Cascade Residence.
Law is also Alpha secondary's recipient of the Governor General's Academic Medal, awarded to him as the student graduating with the highest average in his school. Law will attend the University of British Columbia this fall, where he intends to major in microbiology and eventually, go on to medical school.
"I have a strong interest in the area of auditory functions," Law wrote in his letter of application. "I believe that because I have a hearing impairment, I especially understand the challenges that people with hearing losses face. As a result, I believe I can make a valuable contribution to auditory medicine."
The Stan Parsons Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to outstanding students who have combined high academic achievement with significant community involvement. The award was created in recognition of Stan Parsons, who had a great interest in helping young people reaching their full potential. Parsons gave more than 34 years of service to Vancity and the community, and was an integral part of Vancity's success.
Vancity is Canada's largest credit union, with $6.4 billion in assets, 262,000 members, and 39 branches throughout Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Victoria. Vancity owns Citizens Bank of Canada, serving members across the country by telephone, ATM, and the Internet. Both Vancity and Citizens Bank are guided by a commitment to corporate social responsibility.