Windsor gay rights advocate Rocky Campana would have been proud of the teens receiving scholarships in his honour, say those who knew him.
“You are pioneers,” said Nancy Campana, Rocky’s mother, to the scholarship recipients assembled at the offices of Windsor Pride on Wednesday. “You have done a great service.”
It’s the first time the scholarships have been awarded. They’re meant to support students whose efforts have advanced and developed gay-straight alliances at their respective schools, in the spirit of fostering safe and healthy learning environments for those of alternative orientations.
“Today, we celebrate the students in our school system who have a lot of drive — like Rocky,” Nancy said. “A lot of determination.”
Shane Chappus of Sandwich Secondary School was awarded $3,000.
Caitlyn Reimer of Kingsville District, Michael West of General Amherst, Rachel Easterbrook of Vincent Massey, and Jacob Godfrey of Essex District each received $500.
Rocky Campana
Nancy spoke of the importance of continuing her son’s work. Energetic and outgoing, Rocky was considered by many a social dynamo — until he inexplicably took his own life in late August of last year, at the age of 23.
Since then, his family has sought to fulfill his hope of a more tolerant society. This past spring, a charity footrace was organized in Rocky’s name.
“If there’s such a thing as a black cloud with a silver lining, that’s where we are today,” said Bob Williams, executive director of Windsor Pride.
Williams noted that Windsor is the only community in Canada that gives scholarships and bursaries to gay-straight alliance youth. He said the region has come a long way in awareness and acceptance.
“The focus of today is helping our Windsor youth make it better,” Williams said.
Shane Chappus, 18, said the $3,000 scholarship will be of great assistance at McGill University, where he plans on studying political science and law.
“I tend to think that things have gotten a lot better,” said Chappus — who was one of the founders of the gay-straight alliance at Sandwich Secondary.
“The alliance at my school just has not met much resistance in terms of students saying things or having negative views… I really haven’t had to face that, and that’s amazing.”
Pride Fest is Coming
Windsor-Essex Pride Fest 2012. (Dax Melmer / The Windsor Star)
There’s m0re than a month to go, but preparations are already underway for Windsor-Essex Pride Fest — the city’s annual celebration of its lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.
This year’s party takes place over four days, from Aug. 8 to 11.
There will be a flag-raising ceremony, live music at the riverfront, a church service, family fun, a white-themed outdoor club night, a parade down Ouellette Avenue — and even bowling.
For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.wepridefest.com.
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