2009 Scholarship Recipients

We are pleased to announce the 2009 recipients of Lady Mary Burns Kennedy Scholarship Awards!

Gillian Bradshaw, granddaughter of former Canadian Chieftain John A. Kennedy of Alliston, Ontario, is 11 years old and has been dancing with The Jennifer Low School of Highland Dance in Bracebridge, Ontario since she was five and competing since she was six. Gillian competed last year in the Highlands of Durham Region and won first place in the fling, sword and the “Highland reel”; third place in the “Sean Truibhas”; and she brought home the overall novice trophy for her age group. She also danced at the Fergus Highland Games and won first place in the “Fling” and “Sword” and again brought home the overall trophy. Gillian completed her novice status and moved on to compete in the intermediate group.

Olivia Creighton, also a granddaughter of former Chieftain John A. Kennedy of Alliston, Ontario, is 11 and has been dancing for eight years. She continues to progress with her dancing and takes pride in participating in many committee activities that showcase her Highland Dancing, such as Canada Day celebrations and exhibitions for a seniors' retirement home.

Jean Stein is from Illinois, and her mother's family comes from the Isle of Harris – Outer Hebrides – the western Isles of Scotland. For the last four years, she has represented the Midwest region at Nationals – the United States Inter-Regional Highland Dance Championships (USIR). Jean had been champion for the last three years and first runner-up at regionals. In 2007, at the USIR Nationals in Irvine, California, Jean was first runner-up for her age group (12–13 years). In 2008, at USIR Nationals in Denver, Colorado, she was the US Champion for her age group (12–13 years). Jean also has been playing the bagpipes for three years.

Congratulations to these scholarship recipients!