Students in St. Clair Township and Sarnia will be able to apply for a new scholarship program, named in honour of an Ontario Court Justice from Sarnia.

The Sarnia Community Foundation says the family of the late Anne McFadyen has set up an annual scholarship program, similar to LCCVI’s Nicol Scholarships. It will honour five graduating students from Great Lakes Secondary School providing $12,000 for tuition, housing and supplies for post secondary education. The scholarship will be handed out based on academic excellence, community service, leadership, and financial need, said Mike Barron, executive director of the community foundation.

McFadyen moved to Sarnia with her family when she was 14. She pursued a career in law, she became the first woman to be the president of the Lambton Law Association and the first lawyer from Lambton County elected to the executive board of the County and District Law Presidents Association.

McFadyen was appointed a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice in October 1998 until she retired in 2022 although she continued hearing cases occasionally after her retirement. She passed away in February last year.

In her obituary, family members said her greatest joy at work was to officiate adoption ceremonies, welcoming each of the 400 families to celebrate the event.

Outside of the courtroom, McFadyen was an long distance runner, working with the Sarnia Road Runners on events and named runner of the year in 1985. She also completed 13 marathons including the Boston Marathon three times.

McFadyen acted in the Lambton Law Association’s fundraising plays and was an avid book club member.

“Anne McFadyen believed in the power of community and importance of education,” said Barron in a news release. These scholarships will help perpetuate that belief and inspire others to follow in her footsteps.”