Outstanding Students Receive Coniston Community Bursaries
GREATER SUDBURY, ON — The Sudbury Community Foundation (SCF) is proud to celebrate three dedicated students who are the 2026 recipients of the Coniston Community Bursary Awards.
Created in memory of Ella and Joseph Packota, the endowment fund held at SCF supports projects and improvements benefiting the community, as well as student bursaries.
Specifically, the bursary supports Coniston students enrolled full-time in the second or third year of a university or community college program in general arts, humanities, fine arts, social sciences, or health sciences, and who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism.
Rooted in Community
Each spring, beginning April 1, eligible students are invited to apply for the bursary through the SCF website. A committee of local volunteers reviews the applications and provides recommendations to SCF’s Board of Directors, ensuring the recipients reflect the award’s priorities, eligibility criteria, and spirit.
Sandra Boyd, chair of the Coniston Bursary Committee, shared, “It has been a true pleasure being involved in this bursary selection process and I’m hopeful as I read the resumes and academic accomplishments of our homegrown Coniston applicants! The future is in good hands if we can continue to support and encourage such stellar young people. Congratulations to all three recipients.”
For students, the award offers financial support and meaningful recognition of their academic achievements, volunteer contributions, and local Coniston roots. To learn more about the Coniston Community Bursary or other available awards, scholarships and bursaries, visit sudburycf.ca.
SCF would like to congratulate this year’s recipients, thank the volunteer committee for their time and insight, and express our gratitude to the generous donor for making these bursaries possible.
Recipient Quotes
“Receiving the Coniston Community Bursary is especially meaningful because it represents an investment in a student from the community I am proud to call home. I am grateful to be able to pursue my education while continuing to live in Coniston. This support will help me continue balancing my studies, working, volunteering, and my involvement in the community. I hope to make this opportunity count by continuing to learn, serve others, and give back to the community that has supported me.” - Elodie
“I was lucky to spend my entire childhood growing up in Coniston. Now that I am older and attending Nipissing University, I am beyond grateful for my community’s continued support of my goals and for helping me pursue my education in Environmental Biology and Technology. Being chosen as a recipient of the Coniston Community Bursary has helped me focus on my studies and develop my skills in this field, in the hopes that I may one day return the favour. Thank you!” - Jamie
“Deciding to pursue post-secondary education as a mature student was a big decision, but one driven by a deep desire to give back. Being selected for the Coniston Community Bursary means the world to me, not just for the financial relief, but for the reminder that our local community genuinely supports those working to build a better future for themselves and others. I am truly grateful. Thank you!” - Andrea