My name is Karrie-Ann Wilkie and I am Mark’s Mom, or as Mark used to call me, his Mommy Bear. Words of course could never do justice to a mother’s love, and I will not try. But perhaps where words fail me, the development of this legacy to honour my son will not. I have such a strong belief in the type of Scholarship we have created. I have that belief because I feel, so very much, that it represents who Mark was – at all ages, and in all aspects of his life. I sure do love you Baby Bear. This is for you.

Favourite icecream flavour: COWS Messie Bessie (well, it’s actually COWS Chocolate Cheesecake, but that’s a story for another day … right kiddo?)

My name is Craig Wilkie and I am Mark’s Dad. I am proud that this scholarship will continue to keep parts of Mark alive that his friends and family valued so much – particularly his kindness and inclusion of others.

Favorite ice cream flavour– Mocha

My name is Megan Wilkie and I am Mark’s older sister. I am in the midst of completing my Bachelor of Education to become a teacher, a path that Mark was planning for as well. I am grateful to have shared this passion with him, and am incredibly lucky to have grown up with not only an inspirational sibling, but my best friend.

Mark had infinite kindness and caring for all, a quality that is rarely recognized or sought after in awards or scholarships. Paying forward Mark’s generous spirit by honouring a student with the same kindness is a privilege and a perfect way to honour his legacy.

Favourite ice cream flavour: Hoof Prints

My name is Nathan Kennie, and Mark was one of my best friends. Mark and I met many years ago when we both attended the same preschool and became good friends. After preschool, we didn’t see each other for a while because we went to different elementary schools, but when we reunited in middle school we quickly picked things up from where we left off and have been best friends ever since. I have many fond memories of Mark. There were the summer days spent swimming in his pool, the evenings when we would play video games in his basement, the nights when he hosted bonfires on Avonport Beach, and countless more. One of my favourite memories of Mark is from the day we spent skipping rocks at Blue Beach together and catching up after completing our first year of university.

The opportunity to be a part of this scholarship committee is a great honor for me because it allows me to help preserve his legacy for many years to come.

Favorite ice cream flavour: Strawberry

My name is Bowen (Bo) Stokesbury-Price, and I’m currently studying psychology and biology at Acadia University. I’m a Horton High School graduate. I’ve been good friends with Mark since we were very young. We spent a number of years together playing sports, biking around Avonport, hanging out in his parents’ basement, and stealing their ice cream.
Being a part of Mark’s legacy is important to me because we are promoting outstanding individuals who, like Mark, make the world around them better. Mark was a high achiever in anything he put his mind to. He also made everyone around him feel appreciated and included, which is very rare. It is important that these people are recognized and celebrated.

Favorite ice cream flavour: Chocolate Mousse