‘Honoured to invest in young people’: Cobourg’s Beyond the Blue Box awards $3K in scholarships

Pictured here left-to-right are executive director Jane Stevenson-Hawthorne, Beyond the Blue Box Environmental Scholarship recipient Megan Stokes, and board Chair Lynn McMillan. /Beyond the Blue Box photo

By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt

Cobourg’s Beyond the Blue Box continues to give back to the community and has dished out $3,000 in scholarships.

Executive director Jane Stevenson-Hawthorne said in a recent release that the 2026 awards are honouring three outstanding individuals, with each recipient receiving $1,000 scholarships. 

“This year, Katia Legakis and Brodie Johnson have each been selected to receive the Syd Chatwood Memorial Scholarship for Inclusion, while Megan Stokes has been selected to receive the Beyond the Blue Box Environmental Scholarship,” explained Stevenson-Hawthorne.

Legakis was selected for her exceptional understanding of inclusion and active commitment to empathy, listening, self-reflection and creating space for others.

“Her personal experiences, academic pursuits in psychology and work as a research assistant focusing on equity, disability and community health demonstrate a strong commitment to creating meaningful change,” noted the organization, in a recent release. “Her involvement in developing anti-ableism frameworks and promoting inclusive and safe environments particularly impressed the scholarship selection committee.”

Legakis’ compassion, advocacy and belief in listening to voices that are too often overlooked reflect the values of inclusion and community that Syd Chatwood championed, added Beyond the Blue Box.

Johnson, who has also been awarded the Syd Chatwood Memorial Scholarship for Inclusion, was selected in recognition of his leadership, achievements and commitment to creating environments where everyone feels valued, respected and able to participate fully, noted the organization.

“A competitive curler who has participated in three U18 Ontario Curling Championships, Brodie has demonstrated perseverance, teamwork, accountability and leadership both on-and-off the ice. His application emphasized that true inclusion requires more than simply welcoming people – it means actively removing barriers, listening to others and ensuring everyone has a fair opportunity to contribute,” reads Beyond the Blue Box’s release.

“Brodie will pursue studies in community economic and social development at Algoma University where he hopes to continue using sport and community involvement as vehicles for connection, belonging and positive social change.”

Finally, Stokes is the recipient of the Beyond the Blue Box Environmental Scholarship and Beyond the Blue Box said she is being recognized again for her outstanding commitment to environmental responsibility, sustainability, entrepreneurship and community engagement.

“Through Meg Sewing, Megan repurposes discarded clothing and materials into new and useful products, demonstrating how creativity and entrepreneurship can contribute directly to waste reduction and environmental stewardship. Her studies in business administration, combined with her continued pursuit of business management and organizational development, complement her commitment to building an enterprise grounded in sustainability and responsible business practices.”

As a multi-year scholarship recipient, Stokes continues to demonstrate initiative, perseverance, leadership and a commitment to finding innovative ways to turn discarded materials into opportunities, added the organization.

Stevenson-Hawthorne said the scholarships reflect two principles that have been central to Beyond the Blue Box throughout its history: Creating opportunities for people and protecting the environment through reduction, reuse and responsible stewardship.

The Syd Chatwood Memorial Scholarship honours the values of a man who believed strongly in community, inclusion and lifting others up – and the Beyond the Blue Box Environmental Scholarship is designed to recognize young people demonstrating meaningful leadership and commitment to environmental sustainability.

“Beyond the Blue Box is honoured to invest in young people who are already demonstrating the compassion, leadership, innovation and community spirit needed to create positive change.”