G.W. Cooke Awards
HISTORY
The George Willoughby Cooke Fund was established by Bill and Shirley Walker of Mission, and is administered by the Mission Foundation. Its purpose is to provide encouragement to students in grades seven and eight to strive for higher achievement in mathematics and science. Recognition medallions and certificates are provided to the recipients, and interest from the fund is used to inscribe the medallions.
George Willoughby Cooke was a long-time friend of Bill and Shirley Walker. Mr. Cooke and his wife, Marjory, were residents of Mission, where he worked for many years on steamships in the area, and also at the Herman Sawmill. During his lengthy friendship with Bill and Shirley Walker, Mr. Cooke extended many kindnesses to them. As an honour to his name and in remembrance of his friendship and generosity, Mr. and Mrs. Walker established this fund to share with others the type of kindness George Willoughby Cooke shared with them.
Although this fund is intended to honour individual achievement, it is apparent that friendship and kindness are also significant factors in our contribution to others during our lifetime. It is hoped recipients will be proud of the recognition, and trust the medallions will serve as a reminder of the significant achievements, but also of other personal characteristics which make an individual memorable.
Students are selected to receive a Cooke Award based on the following criteria:
Science
1. Students selected to receive a Cooke Award must demonstrate excellence in science ability by:
- Selecting and designing an appropriate experiment for an investigation involving two or more variables.
- Evaluating conclusions in relation to other evidence and sources.
- Identifying factors that have made possible or limited the work of particular scientists.
- Earning a final letter grade of an "A".
- Displaying a positive attitude towards science.
Mathematics
2. Students selected to receive a Cooke Award must demonstrate excellence in mathematics ability by:
- A positive mathematical attitude.
- Connecting and applying mathematical ideas.
- Estimating and using mental math effectively.
- Demonstrating problem solving abilities.
- Reasoning and communicating mathematically.
- Earning a final letter grade of an "A".