Two prestigious scholarships named in memory of two distinguished, local healthcare pioneers are being awarded this week.

The scholarships are awarded annually in memory of John Barker, founding President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sault Ste. Marie & District Group Health Association (GHA), and Dr. Thompson A. Ferrier, founding Medical Director of the Algoma District Medical Group at the Group Health Centre (GHC).

Allister Donald Smith, a Korah C. & V.S. graduate, is being awarded the John Barker Scholarship at his commencement ceremony today. This fall, Allister is attending Queen's University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.

Katelyn Komsa, a graduate of St Basil Secondary School, received the Thompson A. Ferrier MD Scholarship, at her commencement ceremony yesterday. This fall, Katelyn is planning to attend State University of New York where she will be working towards an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.

The GHC Scholarship Endowment Fund is dedicated to the men and women who gave of their time, energy and financial resources to establish the Centre and was established for the purpose of assisting young women and men with demonstrated ability.

Applications for the scholarships were received from some of the finest young high school graduates in the community. The respective scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement in secondary education, leadership qualities, voluntary participation in community activities, maturity, work habits and the interviews.  Each scholarship provides for a maximum of four years of university education, in the range of $6,000 annually.

- 30 -

Contact:
Elizabeth Bodnar, Sr. Manager, Corporate Relations, GHC     
705-759-5529 or cell 705-542-9835
email: bodnar_e@ghc.on.ca