FORT McMURRAY — A Holy Trinity graduate has been awarded the 2026 Brandy Simon Brighter Days Memorial Scholarship, a $2,500 award recognizing students who have demonstrated resilience and perseverance while pursuing their education.
Shayleen Murphy received the scholarship during Holy Trinity Catholic School’s graduation ceremony.
The scholarship was established in memory of Brandy Simon, who was killed in a motor vehicle collision in January 2022 at the age of 16. Family and supporters created the fund to honour her legacy and support students who have overcome significant challenges while working toward graduation and post-secondary education.
Recipients must be accepted into a post-secondary program and submit an essay outlining obstacles they have faced and how the scholarship will help them achieve their goals.
The scholarship is awarded annually and is intended to recognize students who continue to show determination, commitment and courage in the face of adversity.
The Brandy Simon Brighter Days Memorial Scholarship is administered through the Wood Buffalo Community Foundation, a registered charity serving the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region.
Founded in 2017, the foundation builds endowed funds that provide long-term support for local initiatives in areas including health, environment, sport, arts and culture. Since its creation, the organization has distributed more than $2.9 million to more than 100 local social-profit organizations.
The scholarship is structured as an outright grant, with organizers expressing hope recipients will one day help create brighter days for future students and continue Brandy’s legacy of kindness, perseverance and hope.
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