A scholarship has been created in memory of a well-known local Rogers TV Grey County producer.
Friends of Darlene Vanwyck, a 20-year employee and producer at Rogers TV Grey County, are remembering her life by establishing the Darlene Vanwyck Award in Media Studies.
Vanwyck, a wife and a mother to five children, passed away January 3rd at her home in Allenford at the age of 43.
The scholarship in her memory will be supported in perpetuity by an endowed fund held and administered by the Community Foundation Grey Bruce.
Former Owen Sound Mayor Ruth Lovell-Stanners had known Vanwyck for years, going back to Lovell-Stanners’ council days and her involvement over the years in various local projects covered by Vanwyck and Rogers tv Grey County.
“She was always behind the scenes and always quietly competent and always anxious to help,” says Lovell-Stanners, explaining, “When this unfortunate passing of Darlene happened, there were a few of us who got together and said, ‘What can we do to make sure that she’s remembered and that her work is recognized and her contributions to the communities are well recognized and a legacy that will go on far beyond today?'”
The scholarship fund they created will award up to $1,000 to a selected student each year. It will be available through an annual application process. Students from Grey and Bruce Counties who are entering or currently engaged in post secondary media studies including radio, television, broadcasting, film or photography are eligible to apply.
Award criteria will include an outline of the program the applicant wishes to enter, demonstrated commitment to community engagement, volunteerism, as well as work or co-op history.
Donations to the scholarship fund may be made by cheque to the Community Foundation Grey Bruce, P.O. Box 81, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5P1, with the name “Darlene Vanwyck Award” on the memo line. Online donations can be made through Canada Helps at the Community Foundation Grey Bruce website www.communityfoundationgreybruce.com
Lovell-Stanners says, “We look forward to being able to help journalism students who would benefit from having some extra money as they pursue their interests in their schooling, and I think Darlene would be really pleased to know that this legacy will be part of her memory in our community.”