Conestoga news

May 25, 2021 7:36 AM

Police Foundations student presented with WRPS scholarship

Police Foundations student Savannah O'Donnell was presented with a Waterloo Regional Police Services scholarship on May 19 during a virtual meeting of the Police Services Board.

Conestoga College - presentation of WRPS scholarship 2021.png
Police Foundations student Savannah O'Donnell was presented with a Waterloo Regional Police Services scholarship on May 19 during a virtual meeting of the Police Services Board.

“We need people like you in our community who show drive, courage, compassion and a real interest in the complexity of human life,” said deputy chief Mark Crowell as he presented the scholarship.

“Our service motto is people helping people so we know that you’ve demonstrated that commitment in your early adult life and we look forward to welcoming your application to our service when the time is right. Congratulations on your excellent submission. We’re happy to present this scholarship to you today and we look forward to your bright future.”

The scholarship is presented to a second-year Police Foundations student and Crowell said O’Donnell’s application stood out due to her academic standing and the combined employment and volunteer experiences she has gained through her roles at local community organizations.

O’Donnell has worked with Region of Waterloo transit security and as a frontline support worker with the Avalon treatment program in Guelph. She has also served as a volunteer with the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region.

During the virtual meeting, Chief Bryan Larkin also commented on the long-standing relationship and history WRPS has with Conestoga and extended thanks to faculty member Craig Stephenson for continued leadership and partnership in mentoring students.

A recording of the virtual meeting is available on YouTube.

Other students in the School of Community Services were also recently recognized with the following awards:

Police Foundations

  • Sydney Evans: Sgt. Margaret Eves OPP Scholarship
  • Nathan Suderman-Gladwell: Chief Harold Basse Education Award
  • Savannah O'Donnell and Sydney Evans: co-recipients of the Jennifer Kovach Memorial Award 

Protection Security Investigation

  • Sebastien Nogal: Barber-Collins Security Scholarship
  • Rahil Ahmadi: Barber-Collins Security Scholarship
  • Garrett Pascoe: Xpera Investigations Award

Conestoga's Police Foundations program offers a two-year integrated learning experience to help students develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values of a preferred candidate in public sector law enforcement. This program focuses on understanding justice though a lens of social equity and modern policing and has been designed to provide an overall base for a variety of careers in criminal justice and public safety.

Visit the School of Community Services for more information.