The inaugural recipient of the Grace Olivia Glofcheskie Memorial Fund was announced Tuesday.
24-year-old Grace Glofcheskie was killed in a hit and run a year ago as she walked home with friends after a night out.
She was struck by an unlicensed, speeding driver of a stolen car.
Glofcheskie was a recent graduate of the Biomedical Sciences program at the University of Guelph and was also a past captain of the university’s golf team.
Her family set up the memorial fund to support students at the university who excel at academics and athletics.
Heather Petrick, the first recipient of the award, is a four year member of both the track and field and cross country Guelph Gryphons teams, and also has the highest average in biomedical science.
Petrick will receive $1,000 from the fund to help her studies.
She says it’s gratifying to win a scholarship, but is especially touched to receive this one.
“Grace left along a legacy at Guelph of dedication, determination, leadership and I've been honoured to have the opportunity to help carry on her legacy in any way I can,” Petrick said.
She has already donated some of her scholarship back into the fund to benefit future students.
“I wanted to help carry on her legacy. I think it's great that this award will be given to someone in the student population every year so the memory of Grace can remain,” she said.
Petrick wants to pursue a Master’s degree in nutrition, exercise and metabolism, the same department from which Glofcheskie graduated.
More than 400 people donated to the Fund which will be given to a student every fall.
With reporting by Abigail Bimman
