The Creemore Horticultural Society is encouraging local post secondary students in Horticulture, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Arboriculture or a related field to apply for one of three $1,000 Dr. Raymond E. Ives Horticultural Awards.
Each year the 17 local Horticultural Societies of Simcoe County, including Creemore, donate to the Dr. Ives Fund but the fund is under-utilized. No applications were received last year, and only one award was given out the year prior.
The fund was founded by local District 16 in 1976 to honour Dr. Raymond E. Ives of Stayner, a family physician and noted local horticulturalist.
The fund is designed to assist up to three Simcoe County students per year who are entering, or continuing post-secondary education in a green industries related field.
The intent of the Awards is to defray the cost of books and tuition at the start of the school semester.
First-time applicants are asked to write an introduction letter of about 500 words including an overview of their chosen course of study; career goals, volunteer and/or community activities in support of horticulture or environmental awareness in their community; recognition through school or community involvement; and related work experience. Applicants must also provide a copy of an acceptance letter from the Office of the Registrar of the post-secondary school; a post- secondary school year course outline; a Transcript of secondary school marks.
Returning applicants are required to write a 500-word letter of describing their previous year of study, career goals, horticulture and environmental awareness, along with a Course Outline for the coming year and a Transcript of the previous year’s marks.
The application form is available at https://gardenontario.org/district-listing/entry/184/. Find the link to the 2023-Dr.-Ives-Guide-and-application-Approved- May-7-2022.pdf at the bottom of the page.
The application deadline is Sept. 20. The package must be submitted by email to ivesawardsfund@gmail.com, with the subject: Dr. Ives Application – Attention Dr. Ives Committee.
The Dr. Ives Committee will confirm receipt of the application. If applicants do not hear from the committee within one week of submission, contact Barbara Collinson, Dr. Ives Committee Chair at collingwoodgardenclub2015@gmail.com.