Photo Courtesy of Susan Owen
A Peterborough high school student who has faced the ongoing challenges of a sports-related concussion has been named the 2025 recipient of the Steve Montador Bursary.
Lara Cottam, a graduating student at St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School, was awarded the bursary from H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Participate Equally) and GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation. The bursary supports students moving on to post-secondary education who have suffered the long-term effects of a concussion and require a reduced academic course load as a result.
“Having first sustained a serious concussion in elementary school, Lara has consistently had to battle the lasting symptoms and reaggravation of the injury while balancing the demands of being a high performing student, athlete and community member,” said Nick Beamish, Chair of Physical Education and Athletic Director at St. Peter’s, in a reference letter for Cottam. “As a student athlete she has been a role model and leader for others. Her peers look up to and respect her, as she is always one of the most dedicated athletes on all of her teams.”
Cottam will be attending Queen’s University in the fall. H.O.P.E. and GPHSF extended their congratulations and best wishes for her continued recovery and academic success.
Applications for the 2026 Steve Montador Bursary will open in March. More details are available at GPHSF.ca.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
