TORONTO – Ella Milloy, a McGill University graduate who swam for the Martlets and is currently a master's student in journalism at Carleton, has been selected as the 2021 recipient of a Peter Watts Memorial Grant, valued at $3,000.
The 22-year-old native of Victoria, B.C., was a member of the McGill swim program for the last four years, before graduating last spring with a bachelor's degree in political science, with minors in both communications and French. She also served as the team's communications liaison, leading its promotional efforts on social media. In addition, Milloy was a staff writer for The McGill Tribune, a campus newspaper.
"I feel truly honoured to have received this (award)," said Milloy, whose uncles Jordy Tedford (1989 to 1993) and Cameron Tedford (1995-96) both played varsity hockey at McGill. "I hope to carry on Peter's legacy as I learn new journalistic skills while competing for the Carleton Ravens swim team."
Milloy's experience in the field also included a role as a sports programming assistant at the 2020 Canadian Francophone Games held in her hometown, where she organized bilingual communications and promotional content on behalf of the organizing committee for local and provincial sports organizations.
Watts who died on January 18, 2019 was known for his work at CBC and TSN, and particularly his lifelong support for Canadian university student-athletes. He also served as a media relations consultant for The Honourable Lois and Doug Mitchell U SPORTS Athlete of the Year Awards.
The grant was established in January 2020 for a period of six years, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Watts' passing. It is awarded to a student entering their first year of studies in a journalism, media or communications program at an educational institution registered with Universities Canada. Students graduating from high school and beginning their university education are eligible, as well as those with prior post-secondary experience in another field, who pursue further studies in one of these areas.
"Peter would find Ella's resume is strong," said Paul Watt, a younger brother of Peter.."Looking at what she has accomplished, he would be happy that he could assist in her future journalistic endeavours."
Information on the application process for the third annual Peter Watts Memorial Grant will be announced in January 2022.
SOURCE:
U SPORTS Communications Office
and
Earl Zukerman, McGill Sports Information Office
