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There was an abundance of grace at the Montreal West Church of God of Prophecy on Sunday, May 27, as the congregation extended a hand of encouragement to two outstanding students, Shazel Patterson, a member of the church on her way to Dawson College, and Alaina Roberts, a Communications student, at Vanier College.
The two teenagers were winners of the first of what are intended to be annual scholarships offered by the Montreal West Gospel Choir and will each receive monetary assistance to assist them in their educational journey.
Choir director Sister Bernice Gayle, who assisted in spearheading the initiative, says she and her group have been raising funds and working toward establishing a scholarship for a long time, and they are excited that it’s now a reality.
One of the scholarships was reserved to students who are members of the church, and the other open to all Montrealers.
Both Shazel and Alaina distinguished themselves by their extensive volunteer work in the community and at other institutions around Montreal.
Shazel lends a hand to individuals who are shut-ins at home, and as a volunteer at the Jamaica Association of Montreal volunteering in the food bank and as a tutor. She has her eyes set on becoming a schoolteacher.
Alaina is an ardent volunteer at LaSalle New Life Church and at the Westmount Seventh Day Adventist Church, and is looking forward to a career that would allow her to “promote Caribbean Canadian representation in English literature.”
This the first official scholarships offered by the church.
The choir also performed during the service, which was officiated by Pastor Joel Anderson who offered a rousing sermon on “Grace in Action.”
Contact Montreal West Church Of God Of Prophecy at 514-484-8271.
