The Colleen Gropp Memorial Award has been created by her husband Brent, along with the help and support of her circle of friends, in honor of her loving memory. It is the hope that this award will continue her passion for helping those kids in need.
The award criteria created by her friends and Brent is unique and is what Colleen would think is important for a candidate:
– Recently experienced grief or loss on some level.
– Must be a student entering University, College or Trade School.
– Requires financial assistance.
– Demonstrates a concern for others and the community.
Colleen spent her childhood in Pritchard and Chase, BC, and worked hard to receive her Bachelor of Education from the University College of the Caribou (TRU). Colleen had a gift for listening carefully and thoughtfully in moments of greatest need. This convinced her to pursue her Master of Counselling degree, which then resulted in becoming a school and family consultant with SD #73.
Colleen impacted many families and earned the respect of all of her colleagues. She was passionate about her job in the district and deeply cared about every student, parent, and teacher she encountered.
On July 7, 2021, Colleen passed away after finally losing her 10-year battle with cancer. She experienced both breast and ovarian cancer and showed amazing grace and toughness as she endured many treatments and surgeries during this time while still being a mother to her kids and working as a “School and Family Consultant” in SD #73.
She was only 52 years old.
“Colleen always said she was the helper, and we know she had a special compassion for the kids who were struggling with grief and loss. It will be amazing to find a way for this award to keep her helping those same ones in their moment of need.”
– Rhonda Ginter, friend
This Memorial Award will be awarded by the District Awards Committee. Candidates will be submitted by high school counsellors from all high schools in School District #73.
BCICF does not accept applications for this award; more information and an application form can be found on the SD #73 website: Please find application here. Further information about SD#73 Scholarships + Bursaries can be found here.