GW Cooke Awards

The George Willoughby Cooke Fund was established in 1992 by Bill and Shirley Walker of Mission and is administered by Mission Community Foundation. Its purpose is to recognize students in Grades 7 and 8 in each of our district schools for achievement in Math and Science. Recognition medallions are provided to the recipients, and interest from the fund is used to inscribe the medallions.

This Fund was amended in 2012 to align with the Middle School approach in the Mission Public School District. For Grade 7, there will be 2 male and 2 female students chosen for Math and 2 male and 2 female students chosen for Science. In Grade 8 and in Grade 9, there will be 1 male and 1 female student chosen for Math and 1 male and 1 female student chosen for Science each grade.

George Willoughby Cooke was a long-time friend of Bill and Shirley Walker. Mr. Cooke and his wife, Marjory were residents of Mission where he worked for many years on steamships in the area and also at the Herman Sawmill. During his lengthy friendship with Bill and Shirley Walker, Mr. Cooke extended many kindnesses to them. As an honour to his name and in remembrance of his friendship and generosity, Mr. and Mrs. Walker established this fund to share with others the type of kindness George Willoughby Cooke shared with them.

Although this fund is intended to honour individual achievement, it is apparent that friendship and kindness are also significant factors in our contribution to others during our lifetime. We hope you will be proud of the recognition, and trust the medallions will serve as a reminder of the significant achievements, but also of other personal characteristics which make an individual memorable.

Previous Award Winners