The County Foundation is very honoured to announce a new bursary fund in tribute of Valery Ross-McElroy. An annual bursary of at least $1,000 will be awarded to support a female-identifying student who is graduating from Prince Edward Collegiate Institute pursuing post-secondary education studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Mathematics) or in Community Engagement/Development.
Valery Ross-McElroy was adventurous, and endlessly generous, and believed in the power of community. Deeply rooted in compassion, she never stopped giving whether through her work or in her day-to-day life.
With the encouragement of her teachers at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute, she earned scholarships that helped her become one of the first in her family to graduate from university. She graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Science in biology and math, and earned a Master of Arts in Community Development from the University of Victoria.
Valery passed away in April 2025 from cancer, and is survived by her husband Jeremy and son Darcy. In honour of her generosity and lasting impact, her family established this award to help local students—especially young women—believe in themselves, chase their dreams, and carry forward the spirit of generosity and courage that defined Valery’s life.
An annual bursary of at least $1,000 will be awarded to support a female-identifying student who is graduating from Prince Edward Collegiate Institute pursuing post-secondary education studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Mathematics) or in Community Engagement/Development.
Valery Ross-McElroy was adventurous, and endlessly generous, and believed in the power of community. Deeply rooted in compassion, she never stopped giving whether through her work or in her day-to-day life.
With the encouragement of her teachers at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute, she earned scholarships that helped her become one of the first in her family to graduate from university. She graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Science in biology and math, and earned a Master of Arts in Community Development from the University of Victoria.
Valery passed away in April 2025 from cancer, and is survived by her husband Jeremy and son Darcy. In honour of her generosity and lasting impact, her family established this award to help local students—especially young women—believe in themselves, chase their dreams, and carry forward the spirit of generosity and courage that defined Valery’s life.
Applications are now open
The full details of this bursary, including eligibility requirements and application process, are now available.
The inaugural recipient will be selected in 2026.
Support Valery's Bursary
If you are interested in supporting the Valery Ross-McElroy Bursary, you can:
- Donate online through CanadaHelps by selecting the fund from the drop down menu.
- Mail a cheque addressed to The County Foundation with "Valery Ross-McElroy Bursary" in the memo. Mailing address is 24-35 Bridge Street, Picton, ON K0K 2T0.
- Send an E-Transfer to info@thecountyfoundation with "Valery Ross-McElroy" in the memo.
