Lakehead Students Thrilled to Receive MROO Scholarships

Three students are sending a huge thank you to the Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario (MROO). Each of them received MROO scholarships during the 2024-25 academic year, helping them pursue their postsecondary dreams in professions that will strengthen their communities. Congratulations!

Kay-Lynn (KC) Woilford

Honours Bachelor of Social Work, 2024
Master of Social Work Student (Gerontology)

"Lakehead's Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health and my social work professors have been very supportive and encouraging."

Master of Social Work student Kay-Lynn (KC) Woilford is balancing her academic studies with a full-time job at a Thunder Bay long-term care home. "I'm a mom and registered social worker who's worked with older adults for over 15 years," KC says.

KC received an MROO Targeted Scholarship, which is awarded to Ontario graduate students doing research or pursuing a career that will positively affect the lives of older adults. She says she is specializing in gerontology because, "I really enjoy getting to know older adults, learning their stories, and making health care better." When KC isn't studying or working, she's an active community volunteer. Her master's project investigates the disenfranchised grief that PSWs grapple with when their patients in long-term care facilities die. "I'm trying to understand how we can support PSWs as staff members who support everybody else.

Receiving an MROO Scholarship feels like a validation of my gerontology work," KC says. "It's allowed me to take some time away from work, focus on my studies, and look at my research with fresh eyes."

Cameron Henny

Honours Bachelor of Science Student
Education Student (Math and General Science)

"I've had a really positive experience at Lakehead," Cameron says. "The profs have been great, and I've appreciated the small class sizes in my second year."

Mathematics and education student Cameron Henny has just finished his second year at Lakehead and is well along the path to becoming a mathematics teacher. "I'm good at math, but I've always had to study and put in the work, so I can relate to students who are struggling or need a bit of assistance," says Cameron, who's interested in teaching grade 7-12 students when he graduates. "Fortunately, I've had good role models who've made math fun—I want to be like them and make math accessible to everybody."

It was his work as a lifeguard and swim instructor at a local pool that made Cameron realize that he enjoys working with children of all ages. Now, he's strengthening his teaching skills as a mentor with Let's Talk Science—an outreach program for elementary students that encourages interest in the STEM disciplines.

"My MROO Scholarship is reducing my financial stress by helping me pay for tuition, books, and lab equipment," Cameron says. "Thank you, MROO! I'm grateful to be one of the lucky recipients."

Moira Menard

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Student

"Lakehead's nursing program is a close and diverse community where you can always talk to your instructors," Moira says.

Second-year nursing student Moira Menard has known since childhood that her heart lies in health care. "My older sister, who is an ER nurse and Lakehead alum, inspired me to go into this field. She would always share stories at the dinner table about her nursing studies."

Since high school, Moira has found ways to express support and care for her fellow community members. She volunteers with Our Kids Count, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre's Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP), and the Lakehead University Nursing Association. She's also participated in the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's Camp Med and Compass North.

"After I graduate, I want to give back to the community that's served me so well and be someone people can rely on," she says.

"It's amazing to be recognized with an MROO Scholarship," Moira adds. "It means that I'll be able to accomplish my goal of being part of a health-care team. The scholarship allowed me to purchase scrubs, a stethoscope, a blood pressure cuff, and a lab kit."