John Smale and Ann Marie Vaughan were called to the head table for a special presentation (pictured L to R: Andrew Bandler President, John Smale, Ashley Cooney, Jane Devries, Carol-Lynn Burnett Michaud). Each year, our Club asks the Loyalist teaching staff to help identify a person to receive the Bob Michaud annual bursary award, funded by his wife and now fellow Rotarian Carol-Lynn, presented under the banner of the Rotary Club of Belleville to a deserving student at Loyalist College. As we all know, Bob Michaud was a most remarkable man and Rotarian. He was larger than life itself and more than generous with his many blessings. His personality was only part of his being -- it was his character as a family man, a businessman, a sportsman and Rotarian that set him apart. This year's recipient and chosen student is Ashley Cooney.
Ashley was nominated by Bob Millard, coordinator of the Entrepreneurial Studies - Business Launch program. Mr. Millard identified Ashley as a student who is constantly exemplifying sportsmanship, community service and entrepreneurship. While attending Loyalist College as a 4th semester Business student, Ashley is also working as the sole owner/operator of Tanner Lodge in Stirling. She also volunteers as the Enactus Loyalist Project Manager for the Tyendinaga Seed Sanctuary Project. As the project manager, Ashley has developed a business plan for the Tyendinaga Team which was used to obtain grants. She also prepared a business proposal presentation for the Seed Sanctuary Land Acquisition which was delivered to the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Band Council and approved. These are just a few of the contributions which Ashley puts forth on a daily basis in all aspects of her family, school, volunteer and work life. She has done all of this while also being a loving mother of two children. Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan was very pleased to introduce Ashley as this year's recipient, an excellent candidate for the Bob Michaud Bursary.
Ashley thanked everyone for their support and said she was honoured to be chosen as this year's recipient. Carol-Lynn said her late husband worked so hard to be the best in everything he did. He wanted to be #1. He loved golf, loved music, dancing, travelling and did it all with enthusiasm. He would be smiling today because Ashley was chosen.