Loyola Elliott (1945 – 2015) was a well known teacher and principal in SD83! After moving to Grindrod in 1980 to be closer to family, Loyola taught at elementary schools in the Vernon, Armstrong and Salmon Arm areas. She organized many plays, choirs and Christmas concerts at many of the schools where she taught. Her career of 34 years came to a close when she retired from the position of Principal at Highland Park Elementary.
Loyola was known as a kind, energetic, happy person, who was supportive and empathetic to students, parents and colleagues. Loyola had an enormous passion for life and everything she did she embraced fully; from the students she nurtured, to her coworkers, and to her family and friends.
As a young girl growing up in Quesnel, BC, Loyola performed in many talent shows with her sister Della. She always had a passion for theatre, which led her to enroll in drama at UBC after a year at Notre Dame University. While attending UBC, she starred in many leading roles and in the summer months she toured throughout the province with Playhouse Theatre Summer Stock. She changed her career path and returned to UBC, this time to become an educator.
Upon retirement Loyola immersed herself into activities that she always loved. She became an excellent quilter, and enjoyed her book clubs, winemaking, gardening, hosting many dinners and being a member of the Tapestry Choir. Of course her number one joy was her granddaughters whom she spent as much time with as she could.
Criteria:
The bursary will be awarded to a student graduating from Pleasant Valley Senior Secondary School (PVSS) in Armstrong who has excelled in the Fine Arts Program and who intends to pursue further studies in the fine arts.