The Southern Okanagan Secondary School Enrichment Fund has assisted many deserving students in the continuance of a quality education.  This has been done through the establishment of various Scholarship, Trust and Memorial Funds which make annual bursaries and awards available to all students demonstrating excellence in their field of academic, technical, trade or vocational training.  One of these scholarships is the Francis Family Scholarship.

We would like to highlight some of our past scholarship winners so you can see how important it is to support and encourage our graduating students.

Nikki Cescon (nee Houle) was the recipient of the 2002 Francis Family Scholarships. Her proud parents are Norm and Shirley Houle of Oliver.

Nikki attended Okanagan University College where she completed a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Upon completion of university, she was hired at Kelowna Flightcraft. She started as a Human Resources Assistant and was soon promoted to Human Resources Advisor. In this capacity with Kelowna Flightcraft, she is responsible for providing Human Resources support and leadership to several key areas of the Kelowna based business (which employs 1,000 people Canada wide).

Some of her personal interests are health and wellness and professional development. She loves outdoor recreation and camping with family and friends. She is hoping to learn more about photography in her spare time.

Nikki completed her Certified Human Resources Professional Designation in January of 2012. She would like to obtain a supervisory or leadership role within the Human Resources profession.

The Francis Family Scholarship was donated by Mr. Norman Francis in memory of his parents Blaine and Alice Francis of Oliver, BC. Blaine arrived in Oliver in the early 1930’s and Alice came to Oliver during the 1940’s to teach school.  Both were active community members and volunteers.  The first Francis scholarship awards were presented in 2001. Norm Francis was born and raised in Oliver and graduated from S.O.S.S. (1967). He attended UBC and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Sciences, and subsequently earned a Chartered Accountant designation. He co-founded several technology companies, including the company that invented the ACCPAC and Simply Accounting software, and later Pivotal Corporation, a world leader in customer relationship software, where he was CEO until 2001.  Mr. Francis is retired and spends his time travelling, skiing, cycling and playing golf, as well as being an active philanthropist in the Vancouver area.

The Francis Family Scholarships are $2,500.00 awards given to two deserving students each year. Each student must submit a portfolio to highlight their involvement in school and community. The portfolios are graded on organization, academics, school involvement, community involvement, citizenship, work ethic, and self awareness. A properly formatted resume must be submitted. The portfolios are critiqued and graded by four teachers and the recipients are chosen from this.

Nikki would like to pass on to the Francis family her gratitude for their generosity and for selecting her 10 years ago as a recipient of their scholarship. The financial assistance was much appreciated during her four years of university education.

To the graduation class of 2014, she hopes that they pursue a career that makes them happy and allows them to continue to develop and grow professionally.