The Phyllis Schafer Memorial Endowment Fund was established in honor of an exceptional woman who was an outstanding teacher, musician, and mentor. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Phyllis Schafer was a kind, gregarious, adventurous, and generous person, who enjoyed a distinguished 30 year career as a teacher, and eventually, as the Music Consultant with the Edmonton Catholic School Division (ECSD). One of her important legacies was taking the lead in creating the Division’s annual Celebration of the Arts public event, which continues today to proudly showcase the fruits of student learning in music, art, drama, and speech arts. Phyllis wanted all children and youth, especially the disadvantaged, to have an opportunity to develop their musical interests or talents through their school music programs.
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The Phyllis Schafer Memorial Endowment Fund will primarily be used to: provide grants to Edmonton Catholic schools in need to support student choral or musical development; support student educational experiences by participating in or attending musical events;  offer one-time scholarships to graduating ECSD students in financial need, who are pursuing post secondary musical education in Alberta; and to provide emergency financial assistance to ECSD students and/or families in need.