Allan Joseph Memorial Athletic/Academic Award

What you will need

• ✓ Completed award application form, with two letters of reference (a personal letter is optional)
• ✓ Completed academic reference form, filled in by your school counsellor or principal, with your official transcript of marks

About this award

You can receive a $2,000.00 scholarship. This is a grant, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a female hockey player from Cape Breton who balances strong academics with a passion for the game and a commitment to sportsmanship. You must apply by April 15, 2026. Hockey Nova Scotia only contacts the students they select as winners, so you will not receive a notification if you are not chosen. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Hockey Nova Scotia how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Hockey Nova Scotia during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Hockey Nova Scotia whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be a female hockey player from Cape Breton who is registered with Hockey Nova Scotia. You must plan to begin post-secondary studies at a recognized Canadian university or community college within the same year as your graduation from high school. Additionally, you must be an above-average academic student who has demonstrated exceptional hockey ability and is committed to the principles of fair play and sportsmanship.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Open to high school students
• ✓ Resident of Nova Scotia

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Order your transcript1–2 weeks

   Your school's registrar can take a week or two.

3. 3

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

4. 4

   This round closed on April 15, 2026

   Check the award's official page for the next round before you prepare anything.

Tips for applying

• Academic ReferenceAvoid having your school counsellor or principal write a generic reference. Instead, ask them to provide specific examples of why you are an above-average student. Give your referee a copy of your current grades to help them be precise.
• SupportAvoid choosing a reference who only knows you as an athlete. Instead, pick a school counsellor or principal who can speak to your classroom performance and character, since one of them must complete the academic reference form. Ensure they have the academic reference form ready to sign.
• StrategyAvoid focusing only on your stats or goals. Instead, highlight your commitment to fair play and sportsmanship in your application. Mention a specific time you helped a teammate or showed respect to an opponent.
• RealismAvoid assuming that being a strong player is enough. Instead, remember that this award requires both exceptional hockey ability and above-average academics. Check that your transcripts match the academic expectations before you apply.

Questions students ask

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