AKWESASNE -- Jillian Benedict and Haylee Jacco were selected as this year’s recipients of the Strong Roots Charitable Foundation's Christopher Thompson Memorial Scholarship. Each recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship award to support their educational pursuits, as well as demonstrated leadership and motivation to enrich the community of Akwesasne.

Jillian Benedict is the daughter of Floanne Burns and Mark Benedicst of Akwesasne, a graduate of Salmon River Central School and attends University at Albany in her Junior year. She is studying for her Bachelor’s of Science as a Criminal Justice Major. Jillian cites her passion for Akwesasne and all of Indian Country as her main decision to choose Criminal Justice. “Something that weighs heavily on Indigenous People is the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women epidemic and I want to stand up and create change”, notes Jillian in her essay. Jillian has a long list of volunteerism, most notably since 2016 with the Caring Hearts of Akwesasne. She has seen firsthand how “when tragedy strikes, we know we have community to rely on” listed in her submission as Akwesasne’s greatest asset. Congratulations Jillian Benedict we look forward to watching all your future endeavors.

Haylee Jacco, daughter of (late)Corleen Jackon and Allan Jacco of Akwesasne and mother to Kawisatens (1) and Teiotenhari:io(7), is attending St.Lawrence College in Cornwall studying Early Childhood Education in her 2nd year. Haylee cites her culture and family as what motivates and drives her. “I want to be the best version of myself and a role model for my children and future generations”, stated Jacco. She received a certificate of completion in a 2 year Mohawk Immersion program after high school and her goal is to obtain a Masters degree in Education, implementing her Mohawk background with teaching and curriculum building for the classroom. Haley is doing her very best to keep language alive for future generations. Congratulations Haylee Jacco on the receipt of this scholarship.

The Christopher Thompson Memorial Scholarship has been a proud initiative of the Strong Roots Foundation to honor the late-founding Board Member Christopher Thompson, who was a prominent member of the Akwesasne community. Chris was a champion for change and a driving force for many economic development projects for the community of Akwesasne. In recognition of his efforts, a memorial scholarship was created in his name and is bestowed each year upon two high school or undergraduate student attending a college or university.

Strong Roots is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides a means for off-reserve companies who enjoy the benefit of our businesses to give back to our community’s youth and elders.

If you would like to make a charitable donation to the Strong Roots Charitable Foundation, please go to make a direct donation on our website www.strongroot.org or contact us by email administrator@strongroot.org.