national awards and scholarships

James L. McKenzie Scholarship

Loree Martin Vellner Highland Dancing Scholarship

The James L. McKenzie Memorial Fund was set up to honour Mr. James L. McKenzie of Aberdeen, Scotland. Mr. McKenzie was instrumental in introducing to, and developing in Canada, the techniques of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing.

The intent of the fund is to assist in the development of a promising dancer who displays not only the competitive spirit, but community spirit, as well as a love and enjoyment of, and dedication to, Highland Dance. While competitive achievements will certainly be considered, other factors will also weigh heavily in the selection process. Guidelines for the award have been set to give dancers equal opportunity to win the award.

Monies for this fund are acquired through donations (provincial or personal). As well, 1% of all ScotDance Canada’s portion of dancer registrations collected is allocated to this fund. This is a National Scholarship.

For more information, or to obtain an application form, click here

Loree Martin Vellner Highland Dancing Scholarship

The Loree Martin Vellner Highland Dancing Scholarship is open to any past or current competitive dancer who holds a current Examining Body status (Associate/Member/Fellow) and is or will be attending any post-graduate institution in Canada in the year of the application. Proof of attendance (receipt for tuition) will be required of the successful applicant. Previous Recipients of this scholarship are not eligible to apply.

Loree was the second President of ScotDance Canada and a life-long supporter of Highland Dancing in Canada. Loree was an incredible woman - beyond having a background in Highland, Tap, and Stage, she was a pioneer in kinesthetic awareness and injury prevention.

She was genuinely one of the kindest, brightest souls within our dance community—eloquent, graceful, incredibly intelligent, humble and determined. These are traits that we strive for in ourselves and for our students.

Candidates must hold an Examining Body status (Associate/Member/Fellow), will be or are currently attending a post-secondary educational institution and must show how Highland Dancing has had an impact on their life. They must demonstrate on their application how they have contributed to their community as a result of their dancing and associated pursuits.

Application deadline: May 31 of the current year.

For more information, or to obtain an application form, click here

provincial and local awards and scholarships

Muriel Boyle Memorial Award

Muriel Boyle was a highland dancer, teacher, and judge in Saskatoon from 1921 to 1954. She was an accomplished competitor, winning numerous medals and awards across Western Canada. Following her competitive dance career, she opened her own dance school, where many of her students also became accomplished highland dancers. In addition, she took an active role in her community by assembling dance shows that could be enjoyed by the public at large. Muriel Boyle directed the Scottish country dancers for 17 years and continued to enjoy and participate in dancing until her passing in 2003.

Upon her passing in July 2003, Muriel Boyle bestowed a gift from her estate upon the Saskatoon Highland Dancing Association. With this gift, she wished to reward Saskatoon highland dancers for their achievements in competition, community service, and the highland dance experience.

For more information, or to download the application form click here.

Sandra Philp Memorial Award

Muriel Boyle Memorial Award

Sandra Philp joined the Regina Highland Dancing Association in 1977 and served in numerous capacities, including President. She represented RHDA within the Scottish Society, was the Ambassador to the Mosaic Scottish Pavilion, and worked for several years on the executive of the Saskatchewan Highland Dance Association. Sandra was also an active member of the Regina Multicultural Council. Sandra was made a lifetime member of the Regina Highland Dancing Association. She passed away on January 3, 1991.

The Sandra Philp Memorial Award is presented in Sandra’s memory to encourage dancers to participate in Saskatchewan competitions. It is presented to two Saskatchewan Premier Dancers who have received the highest points in the 14 & Under, and 15 and Over categories. The award includes a trophy and a $50 scholarship.

Further information and application forms can be obtained through the

Regina Highland Dance Association

awards and scholarships

Lauren Spence Memorial Award

On Friday, June 9th, 2017 we lost one of our own, when Lauren Spence was tragically killed in a car accident at the tender age of 16. Lauren was a talented young woman who danced in both Highland dance and Irish dance. Her passions were not limited to just dance, as she also was very active in Marion Graham Choir and Cheer Squad. At school, she was also a member of the junior volleyball team, and dance academy.

A memorial award has been established in Lauren’s honour that is awarded annually at the November SHDA competition. The award is for the Novice dancer with the greatest spirit – a fitting award as Lauren’s passion and spirit for Highland dance was evident whenever she took the stage. The adjudicators of the competition, using the criteria of “Effort”, “Energy” and “Enthusiasm”, will choose the award winner.

Sherry Hudson Memorial Award

Lauren Spence Memorial Award

On Thursday, March 30th, 2017 Sherry Hudson passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Sherry was an integral part of the highland dance world in Saskatoon as she was an accomplished dancer who represented Saskatchewan several times at the Canadian Championships. Sherry was also a mom of a dancer, and an SHDA executive member for many years. She was a tireless volunteer for every job she ever undertook.

In recent years, Sherry was the adult ambassador of the Scottish Pavilion and was also inducted as a Lifetime Member of the SHDA. Because of Sherry’s long-standing commitment to the highland dancing world in Saskatoon, it was decided that a memorial trophy would be awarded annually to the SHDA Premier Dancer of the Day at the spring SHDA competition.