The scholarship is named after a Windsor police officer killed in the line of duty
The first-ever WFCU John Atkinson Memorial Scholarships have been presented to two students at St. Clair College.
Derek Gignac and Kyra Beaulne, both in the law and security program, each receive $2,500 toward their education.
On hand for the presentation was Atkinson's widow Shelley, who calls it a special moment. "It warms my heart, it's another milestone and it's another way to keep his memory and his name alive," says Atkinson. "Today would have been his 50th birthday so it's kind of a special gift today"
AM800 file photo of Senior Constable John Atkinson
Kyra Beaulne says she's honoured to be the first recipient of one of the scholarships. "I found a program I love and I didn't struggle doing any of the assignments or any of the tasks, it was just go into class do what I love, go home."
Senior Constable John Atkinson was shot and killed investigating a drug deal in May of 2006.
Scholarship recipient Derek Gignac says he's also honoured. "I'm truly humbled to be honest. I've never received a scholarship like this before or any award before. Just to be connected to John Atkinson, it's very humbling," says Gignac.