Doug & Mary Perry higher education fund announced
Mike Perry has established the Doug & Mary Perry Higher Education Fund with the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes. Perry is the past president and co-founder of the foundation.
In memory of his parents, Mike has launched this fund intended to provide financial support and encouragement to graduates from Fenelon Falls Secondary School, interested in a career in teaching.
Donated by the estate of Doug and Mary Perry, this newly established fund will create a legacy for Fenelon Falls Secondary, empowering deserving graduates to aim for post-secondary education, specifically in the field of teaching and education, according to a media release. The legacy will grow and compound over many years, offering annual awards to many young and aspiring teachers and educators in Fenelon Falls.
“The students and Staff at Fenelon Falls Secondary School are extremely honoured to be supported by the new Doug & Mary Perry Higher Education Award,” said school principal Donald MacIver. “This award will award graduating FFSS students each year, as they move forward in their post-secondary education. Our school community would like to pass on a big thank you to Mike Perry, a FFSS graduate and his family for this generosity and thoughtfulness!”
Doug and Mary Perry had strong beliefs in the power of public education to enable and inspire people and build communities. A graduate of Fenelon Falls Secondary School, Mary devoted her career to teaching, until she retired from Ridgewood Public School in Coboconk.
Growing up in Kinmount and a graduate of Fenelon Falls Secondary School in the class of 1955, Mary began her teaching career in a one-room school in Essonville near Gooderham. Returning to obtain her B.A. from Trent University later in life, Mary retired from teaching Kindergarten at Ridgewood Public School in Coboconk. Working hard all their lives, Mary and Doug were strong believers in the power of public education to empower people and build communities.
“My mom went to FFSS when it was still a grey stone building and I too graduated as a proud Falcon,” said Mike Perry. “My mom and dad instilled in me my passion for the value and joy of education,” he added. Among other pursuits, Mike teaches at Trent University. “I am thrilled that my parents will be remembered in helping students from FFSS learn and teach, too.”
Tegyn Thomas of Woodville and Amanda Grills are the first recipients of the award, awarded at this year’s Fenelon Falls Secondary School graduation.
About the Fund
The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes is here to help create a meaningful and lasting change in the community. The foundation has a variety of fund structures to offer various levels of support, involvement and recognition. With a variety of ways to give, funds can be established, or a plan can be made to give in the future. As well, donations can be made to an existing fund today.
If you have a great idea or you want learn more about the Foundation and its philanthropy, contact Margaret Cunningham at 705.731.9775 or email: . For foundation information, click on www.kawarthafoundation.ca
