AKWESASNE TERRITORY — On Friday Oct.9, Strong Roots Charitable Foundation and CAA Management announced that Colin Benedict and Krysten Thompson were selected as this year’s recipients of the 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.

Colin Benedict, son of Owen and Allison Benedict of Akwesasne, is a graduate of Salmon River Central School currently attending Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

In his senior year at Cornell, Colin serves as co-chair of the student organization Native American and Indigenous Students at Cornell (NAISC).

During his spare moments, he takes time to assist up-and-coming graduates of Salmon River Central School in the college application process by sharing his experience.

After graduation, Colin plans to attend the Six Nations Polytechnic’s Mohawk Program and pursue a PhD Degree in Indigenous Studies.

Krysten Thompson, daughter of Joann and Stanley Thompson of Akwesasne, is a graduate of Salmon River Central School who attended Niagara College and received her Advanced Pre-Health Science Certificate.

Krysten recently transferred to Trent University in the Bachelor’s of Science Honors Program in hopes of entering a nursing program in the near future.

She cites her family and community of Akwesasne as the passion that drives her, which was the result of community support she received during a family member’s crisis.

It has made her appreciative and forever proud to belong to such a caring community and is looking forward to giving back.

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.

Thompson was a champion for change and a driving force for many economic development projects for the community of Akwesasne; including the Buy Local Campaign and Mother Earth Eggs that worked with Akwesasne youth.

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 and philanthropic arm of CAA Management that provides a means for off-reserve companies who enjoy the benefit of businesses to give back to the community’s youth and elders.

Through the generosity of donors and other fund raising activities, the Strong Roots Foundation completes projects that benefits the overall community of Akwesasne.