The Memorial Scholarship.
Two $1,000 awards for COLS alumni heading to university, college, an apprenticeship or the trades, given in memory of members of the COLS family we lost too soon.
COLS alumni, this one’s for you!
2 × $1,000 awarded every year
History
Why the scholarship exists.
Two $1,000 awards every year, given in memory of the COLS family members we've lost.
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1997: Eileen comes to COLS
Eileen Krieger attended our conference from her school in Ridgeway, Ontario, and set to work planning a conference like COLS. Tragically, she died in a car accident before she could see the results of her hard work.
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2003: The Eileen Krieger Memorial Scholarship
COLS created a scholarship in Eileen's name.
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2015: Renamed the Memorial Scholarship
After losing other members of our COLS family who gave so much of their time to COLS and their communities, the scholarship was renamed to recognize all of them.
Eligibility
Can I apply?
tick all four boxes!
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You're COLS alumni
You attended a three-day seminar or a one-day Promoting Leadership Among Youth day, as an ambassador or a volunteer.
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You're in your graduating year
Of high school, heading to post-secondary in the fall.
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You complete the application
Submitted before the spring deadline.
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You can confirm enrollment
In your university, college, apprenticeship or trades program before funds are released.
How applications are judged
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School & community work
What you've done and the difference it made.
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Reviewed by a committee
Established by the Board of Directors.
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Winners announced in May
Usually on the last day of the three-day seminar.
Application
Applications open each spring.
- April Application form released
- Mid-May Applications close (2026: May 18, 11:59 pm)
- Late May Winners announced at the seminar
Opens spring 2027
Notify meIn memoriam
Remembering those we lost too soon.
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Eileen Krieger
Ambassador, 1997
An ambassador from Ridgeway-Crystal Beach High School, Eileen was very active in her community and involved in the Student Leadership Conference at Queen's University. She was killed in a car accident on her way to a job interview.
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Raphael Justin Loh
Ambassador 2001 · Senior Leader
Raphael came back to COLS as a senior leader. He was a teacher with the Toronto and District Catholic School Board, coached several sports teams and was loved by all his students.
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Amber Fox
Ambassador, 2002
Amber was active with the COLS Alumni, wrote for the McMaster university newspaper, loved to travel and lived in Britain after graduating. She lost her battle with leukemia.
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Sherri Fraser
Ambassador, 1995
A very active member of the Brampton Alumni and of COLS as a junior leader and alumni rep. She always had a smile, and meeting her friends was like they'd never been apart.
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Bryan Ruston
Volunteer since 1982
A London Optimist member whose COLS volunteering included senior leader and seminar chair. He always showed his PMA and had a smile for everyone.
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Keith Bone
Volunteer since 1982
A Burlington Optimist Club member with COLS since it began in Ontario. A quiet leader full of wisdom who touched the hearts of everyone he met.
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Nelson Latimer
Volunteer since 1982
A long-time Stoney Creek Optimist Club member and dedicated three-day seminar volunteer who especially enjoyed talking to parents at the Sunday parent seminar.
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Tyler Grummet
Ambassador, 2014
A budding basketball star whose infectious smile made everyone want to smile right along with him.
your turn!
Be the change you want to see.
Every ambassador attends for free because people like you nominate, volunteer and give. Pick your way in.