Our Alumni
Memorial University
Alison McCarthy-Kearsey
Fry Family Foundation Junior Leadership Award, 2008
Fry Family Foundation Junior Leadership Award, 2008
Leadership was taught to me at a very early age. In Grade 2, my teacher told my parents I was a natural born leader, as I would often show leadership skills in the classroom through communicating with my peers, organizing games, and making sure everyone was included.
I enjoyed growing my leadership skills through my school life and my extracurricular activities. In elementary school, I had my first taste of student council and I was hooked.
Throughout the years I served on the student council in various capacities: being vice president twice and president twice. I loved planning activities and listening to what other students wanted to see in the school. I never considered myself a "leader" as this was something that felt second nature to me.
I remember being approached in Grade 10 to apply for the Fry Family Scholarship. I hadn't given much thought to post-secondary yet, let alone scholarships, but when a teacher who I highly respected recommended I apply, I figured I'd give it a shot. I remember writing my application, listing all of my qualities and accomplishments, and thinking that someone in a place bigger than my small town of Grand Falls-Windsor would get it over me. When I got the news that I had received the scholarship, I was delighted! To be recognized in such a prestigious way at a young age gave me confidence to continue on with my leadership journey.
Many years have passed since I received this scholarship (16 to be exact). Since then I have completed three degrees through Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador; Bachelor of Science (major in math and minor in physics), Bachelor of Education (Intermediate/Secondary), and Bachelor of Special Education. I am also completing my school counsellor internship this coming fall to finish my Master of Education in counselling psychology. My current teaching position is at Gonzaga High School in St. John’s, NL, where I live with my (new!) husband Kyle, our cat Kiwi and our senior Golden Retriever, Bella.
I would like to thank the Fry Family for giving young people like me the opportunity to show our leadership skills and grow through their scholarship. I believe these types of initiatives are integral to young leaders.
Alison
I enjoyed growing my leadership skills through my school life and my extracurricular activities. In elementary school, I had my first taste of student council and I was hooked.
Throughout the years I served on the student council in various capacities: being vice president twice and president twice. I loved planning activities and listening to what other students wanted to see in the school. I never considered myself a "leader" as this was something that felt second nature to me.
I remember being approached in Grade 10 to apply for the Fry Family Scholarship. I hadn't given much thought to post-secondary yet, let alone scholarships, but when a teacher who I highly respected recommended I apply, I figured I'd give it a shot. I remember writing my application, listing all of my qualities and accomplishments, and thinking that someone in a place bigger than my small town of Grand Falls-Windsor would get it over me. When I got the news that I had received the scholarship, I was delighted! To be recognized in such a prestigious way at a young age gave me confidence to continue on with my leadership journey.
Many years have passed since I received this scholarship (16 to be exact). Since then I have completed three degrees through Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador; Bachelor of Science (major in math and minor in physics), Bachelor of Education (Intermediate/Secondary), and Bachelor of Special Education. I am also completing my school counsellor internship this coming fall to finish my Master of Education in counselling psychology. My current teaching position is at Gonzaga High School in St. John’s, NL, where I live with my (new!) husband Kyle, our cat Kiwi and our senior Golden Retriever, Bella.
I would like to thank the Fry Family for giving young people like me the opportunity to show our leadership skills and grow through their scholarship. I believe these types of initiatives are integral to young leaders.
Alison