St. Thomas, ON – Wednesday April 1st 2026
The St. Thomas Police Service is pleased to announce the 2026 call for candidates to be considered for the Andrew M. Bennett Scholarship Award, now entering its third year. This award recognizes graduating secondary school students who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and a genuine desire to serve their community through a future career in policing.
Past recipients have exemplified the values this scholarship seeks to celebrate. In 2024, recipient Makayla Thornton, a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School, submitted an exceptional essay that reflected strong leadership and civic-mindedness, qualities we expect from those who choose a career in policing. In 2025, recipient Taliah Shaw, a graduate of St. Joseph’s Catholic High School, shared her aspiration to pursue a career where she could positively impact people’s lives while contributing to a safer, more compassionate world. Their words and actions reflect the spirit of service this award is intended to support.
The Andrew M. Bennett Scholarship Award will be presented to a 2026 graduating student from a St. Thomas or Elgin County secondary school who is planning to pursue a career in policing. The successful applicant will demonstrate strong academic achievement, integrity, initiative, leadership, kindness toward others, dedication to teamwork, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in their community.
To be eligible, applicants must:
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Be a 2026 graduating student from a St. Thomas or Elgin County secondary school
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Be in good academic standing
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Be enrolled in (or accepted to) a post-secondary undergraduate program with a focus on public safety
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Demonstrate a genuine intention to pursue policing as a career
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Exhibit qualities of leadership, commitment, integrity, and community involvement
Eligible candidates are invited to submit a 500-word essay outlining how they intend to serve and support their community as a future police officer. Essays should reflect on how they plan to be a force for good, how everyday acts of kindness can inspire others, and how their actions can contribute to positive and lasting change.
This scholarship represents an investment in the next generation of community-minded leaders, those who are driven not only by career aspirations but by a deep commitment to service.
Andrew M. Bennett Scholarship – Year 3 (2026)
