The Rainbow Optimist Club – Southern Ontario Inc. and U. R. Proud - Productions are proud to announce the Load and Proud Leadership Bursary which honours two students from the Elgin, Oxford, or Middlesex Counties. One area high school student and one post secondary school student will be recognized for accomplishments and contributions each nominee has made to the community; whether at home, school, religious institution, athletic or academic team, or another social group.

• Specifically, the nominees’ contributions must include leadership that has supported tolerance, diversity, and acceptance within Elgin, Middlesex and Oxford Counties and the surrounding area’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and two-spirited people, their supporters, or any community group represented under the diverse Rainbow banner.

• Demonstrate a commitment or significant contribution to developing tolerance and acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and two-spirited people, their supporters, or any community group represented under the diverse Rainbow banner.

• Consideration will be given to academic performance and personal or financial hardship.

• Students must be continuing their education,

• Students must be from Elgin, Middlesex, or Oxford County.

• Two letters of reference:

  • 1) From a teacher/principal/guidance/school personnel.

  • 2) Personal reference non-family related. References are to be sent to rainbowoptimist@gmail.com clearly identified in the subject line with your name. All references must accompany the application process via email.

• A 2- 4-minute video or 500-word essay.

• Submission deadline is Friday, July 28.

Each award recipient will receive a certificate/plaque accompanied by a $500.00 financial award to be applied to a post secondary institution for the recipient’s continued education.