Jordanne Burgess receives Bowinn Ma MLA North Van Community Scholarship

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MLA Ma with scholarship winner Jordanne Burgess from Sutherland Secondary.

NORTH VANCOUVER – North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Bowinn Ma announced the Bowinn Ma MLA Social Justice Scholarship: three $500 community scholarships, awarded to one graduating high school student each from Carson Graham Secondary, Sutherland Secondary and the Squamish Nation.

“I have been helped by so many in my community and this is an opportunity to give back,” said MLA Ma. “Young people are our future and my hope is that this investment will encourage them to continue building a better world.”

These three community scholarships are personally funded by MLA Ma and will be awarded to a graduating high school student from Sutherland Secondary, Carson Graham Secondary, or the Squamish Nation who:

  • Is enrolled in a post-secondary institution
  • Has demonstrated a commitment to social justice
  • Has overcome barriers or disadvantages in their life

The second recipient to receive the Bowinn Ma MLA Social Justice Scholarship is Jordanne Burgess of Sutherland Secondary. As a student of Sutherland, Burgess applied her passion for social justice by being a member of the Sutherland Girls Group (recognized by the City of North Vancouver with the Outstanding Squad Award) as well as encouraging diversity within her school. She also has volunteered at the North Shore Neighbourhood House and Capilano University Serious Fun Camps. Due to her own struggles with mental health, she strives to help other youth like herself and also bring awareness to mental health issues that youth face. She is also passionate about promoting LGBTQ+ positivity and inclusiveness in the community. Burgess plans to attend university in the Fall of 2018 to study science or math and looks forward to continuing her advocacy work in mental health for the rest of her life.

“I am so grateful and extraordinarily honoured to be receiving the Bowinn Ma MLA Social Justice Scholarship,” said Jordanne. “I plan to attend Simon Fraser University this fall to study science and look forward to the many adventures and opportunities my future holds. I will continue my advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community and for people with mental illnesses alike.”