Not long after the passing of our dear friend, R. Kirk Steele, the idea of a scholarship in his honour was bandied about. So as not to allow the concept to die after the moment had faded, a few individuals decided to start the process that would hopefully lead to establishing a scholarship at St. George’s College in September, 2009. The group contacted the school’s Principal, and are well on the way to having an R. Kirk Steele Memorial Scholarship in place for the new school year.
Some aspects of the scholarship up for consideration were: Criteria, Applicable Student/Form, Value of Scholarship and Funding.
Early discussions involved Noelle Nicolls, Kishman Spence, Lyndon Latore, David Wright and (Steele’s uncle) Claude Espeut. Below are the initial decisions made on the foregoing areas.
Criteria
The scholarship will be aimed at a young man who we believe embodies much of what Steele represented as a student. The successful candidate will be required to have an average of 75% or above, represent the school in at least one sport, have a good disciplinary record and participate in at least one service organisation.
The school will be asked to shortlist students for the award, after which, a committee formed by the Scholarship’s Board of Trustess will interview each student. Candidates will also be required to write an essay (subject matter to be determined by Board)
Applicable Student/Form
The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Fifth Form student (pending external examination results) and will be tenured for his two years in Sixth Form.
Value of Scholarship
As Steele believed in the importance of personal responsibility, it was decided that the scholarship would cover only the core needs of Tuition, Text Books, Accessories and a contribution towards uniform expenses. The cost of these items has been discussed with the school’s Guidance Counsellor and will determine the final dollar figure.
Funding
We will be having an annual fundraiser (and perhaps multiple fundraisers) to meet the costs of the scholarship. We will also be setting up a non-profit and a trust in which will be deposited excess funds raised on a yearly basis. The young men benefiting from the scholarship will be asked (though not mandated) to also contribute to the trust, once they are gainfully employed (typically after completion of tertiary studies).
Our first fundraising event will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2009. This will take the form of a cocktail party where a contribution of $1000 will be required. Further details will be provided in short order.
We hope not only to have your full support, but that each individual will garner support from others as well for this endeavour. Further details will be posted as they are available.