ERIN – Local teenager Ferguson Groves was lauded by his family, friends and even some local dignitaries at a private party thrown for him on June 13.
The event was held at the Erin Legion, which some people called Groves’ second home, in honour of the 18-year-old’s recent accomplishments.
Groves has been recognized, both provincially and nationally, with awards for his leadership and dedication from the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA), Air Cadet League of Canada, Ontario Aerospace Council and Carleton University.
“He is a remarkable young man who has demonstrated leadership skills across several fields,” Erin councillor John Brennan told the Advertiser following the event.
“People who have interacted with him cannot say enough good things about his dedication, his willingness to volunteer his time and effort, and the positive personal warmth he brings to all his activities.”
Groves’ busy schedule of six school sports at Erin District high School, didn’t stop him from achieving a 90-plus per cent average, leading to an award from Carleton University.
He was one of 10 students to receive the Carleton Chancellor’s award, worth $30,000 in scholarship money.
This is the university’s most prestigious entrance scholarship, officials say, and Groves was selected based on his academic achievement and his involvement and commitment to extra-curricular activities.
He was also awarded the top monetary scholarship, worth $5,000, from the Young Citizens Foundation at a National Air Cadet League of Canada virtual ceremony.
The cadet committee evaluates all squadrons across Canada, and picks a qualified candidate who applied.
Groves is a part of the Ross Ferguson 242 Squadron in Erin, and even has his pilot’s license.
“Ironically, he can fly a plane but he hasn’t gotten his G2,” Groves’ mom Janet told the Advertiser.
When asked about the event she and her husband organized, she said it was an outpouring of love.
“He’s really just come into his own and we wanted to celebrate him,” said Janet.
Brennan, along with fellow Erin councillor Bridget Ryan and Mayor Michael Dehn, thanked Groves for all his contributions towards Erin.
“In short, he is a perfect example of what we would desire all our young people to be,” said Brennan.
Another award Groves earned was the OMHA Wally Scott Bursary, worth $1,250.
The award reflects the achievements of young hockey players who are committed to their community, athletic pursuits and academic achievement.
His latest accomplishment came on June 11, when he was selected for one of four scholarship awards from the Ontario Aerospace Council.
Groves received $2,500 in recognition of his passion and aspirations in aerospace engineering.
His dream is to work on airplanes, specifically engines, and finding ways to better them for the environment.
“Since I was a little kid, I’ve always wanted to create new aircrafts and new engine concepts,” Groves told the Advertiser.
He said he is thrilled to be attending Carleton and noted the students there want to succeed.
“It makes me very happy that I’m able to help; it pushes me to want to contribute more than I already am,” Groves said, referring to his peers.
“I’ve always wanted to be a part of things; even now I feel like I’m not doing enough.”
He added he is proud of himself in various ways, as each award reflects something different about himself.
And he said he’s excited about his future academics and career.
“There is so many places I see myself,” he said.
