Paradise to name scholarships after two cherished go getters

Paradise council voted last week to name two local scholarships in memory of two former councillors and increase those scholarships from $200 to $1,000 each.
Councillor Larry Vaters said each year the Town donates a $200 scholarship to both Holy Spirt High School and Mount Pearl Senior High School.

“This year the town experienced the loss of councillor Elizabeth Laurie, and in 2021, the loss of former councillor Vince Burton,” said Vaters. “Both Elizabeth and Vince were lifelong volunteers and strong, passionate advocates for the town and our youth.”

Vaters moved that council name the scholarships after Laurie and Burton and increase the amount of each scholarship to $1,000.

Burton was first elected to council in 2009 and served two terms. Burton was a labour leader with the Carpenters and Millwrights Union and a strong advocate for the Paradise Double Ice Complex. He died in 2021 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Laurie was also first elected in 2009 and was on her fourth consecutive term when she passed this February after a hard-fought battle against cancer. Outside of council, Laurie worked in construction management and was a longstanding volunteer with the Girl Guides.

“Both Elizabeth and Vince were great citizens of Paradise, and honouring their memory with a scholarship is a great decision,” said councillor Patrick Martin.
Councillor Glenn Carew added that Laurie and Burton were two different people from different walks of life who both had a passion for their community.
“This is a great opportunity to recognize both in their own right,” said Carew.

Councillor Deborah Quility, meanwhile, called the move a great gesture on the Town’s part.

Vaters added that it was only fitting that council increase the scholarship given the rising costs of tuition.

“The scholarships we have now have been at the $200 level for quite some time, so I think it’s time for sure that we increase it,” he allowed.
Vaters also noted the schools themselves will still be responsible for selecting the scholarship recipients.

The motion passed unanimously.