Grand Bay resident receives prestigious Canadian scholarship

Royette Tavernier

It was a question that grabbed her attention: “Have you ever experienced a major turning point in your life that changed how you thought about something or how you behaved?”

It was a question that set in motion a series of events that led Grand Bay resident Royette Tavernier to receive the presitigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship for 2012.

She is one of two students from her school, Brock University, to receive the scholarship for her upcoming research “Turning Points: The Association Between Positive Meaning-Making and Psychological Well-Being Among Canadian Students.”

The research aims to determine whether students who created positive meanings from their turning points also experience greater psychological well-being and successes in their academic and social lives, according to her school’s newspaper The Brock News.

“This research will increase our understanding of how Canadian students cope with significant life events and will give counsellors important information about how they can help Canadians deal effectively with the stress of their life events,” Tavernier told the newspaper.

Always top of her class, Tarvanier has been been exhibiting leadership skills from an early age. She won several   debating competitions in Dominica after overcoming a stuttering problem. She did a teaching stint at the Pierre Charles Secondary School, was a member of the 4-H club and Brownies, hosted her own ‘summer school program’ at her parent’s home in Grand Bay, volunteered as the Director of the Summer Day Youth Camp at the Dominica State College, was a Youth Ambassador and won the Dominica Youth Award in 2004.

She won the ‘Miss Wob Dwiyet’ title in 1996 and has been active in many local cultural activities.

Tarvernier says she’s grateful for the scholarship. “It meant that somewhere out there, somebody shared my dream and believed in my potential and ability,” she told her school’s newspaper.

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship was created to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and to establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning.

Each of the recipients receives $50,000 a year for three years, to help them as they pursue and complete their doctoral studies.

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72 Comments

  1. Robin
    January 29, 2014

    Thats Great stuff for her… God bless

  2. Juliette Cuffy
    July 23, 2012

    Congratulation Royette and the best for the future …

  3. Royette Tavernier
    July 21, 2012

    SO OVERWHELMED (and teary-eyed) by all these wonderful words of encouragement from everyone. I wish I could personally reply to each and everyone of your comments for your words of encouragement, blessings, and faith. THANK YOU! Indeed this is a very humbling achievement and it has not been the easiest but I have had so much support along the way, from my past students to my teachers, my family and friends. I share this achievement with all my fellow Grand Bayrians, Dominicans and every little girl (or boy) out there who has a will and may not necessarily see ‘the way’. Discipline, prayer, perseverance, and support go a long way indeed. I know that there are lots of other hard-working young Dominicans out there and my prayers go out to each and everyone of you: DON”T GIVE UP! Keep up the good work and remain focused and grounded. Tomorrow, July 22nd marks the 3rd anniversary of my mum’s passing and I especially thank the people who remind me of her unyielding faith and support in me. Her spirit continues to push me when the going gets tough. I still have a long way to go and I appreciate all of your thoughts and words of motivation!!! God bless!

    • grandbarian in china
      January 28, 2014

      As our past high school motor states. Excellence through discipline. keep up the great work and continue to stand firm in your faith and the good lord will surely see you through. Bless you. I share in your achievements and it is indeed motivation for me to continue to strive irrespective of the language barrier!!

  4. Grandbarian
    July 20, 2012

    Congratulations! I am so proud of you. Keep up the good work and know that your mum is smiling.

  5. July 20, 2012

    Is that Royette for deseased joyce ? congrats you made GRANBARIANS at home and abroad feel good .

  6. PICODEAU
    July 20, 2012

    Outstanding!!

  7. Pondera
    July 20, 2012

    Excellent!! CONGRATULATIONS!! I am proud of good performance and wish you every success in your research.

  8. Rule
    July 20, 2012

    Good job!

  9. Marian Sinn
    July 20, 2012

    Congratulations and welcome to Ontario!

  10. bigk
    July 20, 2012

    Congrats classmate and neighbor. keep doing what u doing. Am so proud of you. south city go it all.

  11. Jackie Brown
    July 20, 2012

    Grandbarian are continuing to progress in all positivie fields. Well done girl.

  12. July 20, 2012

    :wink: :lol: :-D

  13. DWJ
    July 20, 2012

    I always knew you were a star my girl now it’s your time to shine enjoy it stay blessed

  14. EXCELLENCE
    July 20, 2012

    Can any good thing come out of Grand Bay? Confidently I say a resounding YES! You have made us proud as Dominicans. Wishing you success as you continue your studies. Stay focussed.

  15. tie toe
    July 19, 2012

    congrats to you and your family.i bet thats one of the few children that obey their parents because the ones that dont obey doesnt do well in school.smh

  16. Another bright one
    July 19, 2012

    People as i’m reading this about this young lady . tears run out my eyes
    Reason why i said so she has no mother to support her in a her well done success and she tried hard to succeed
    So I am asking myself why the parents that are still alive why they are keeping their children who really want to do just as this young lady back
    People like me i want to further all my studies , i wish to do so
    and parents are not supporting me

    Young lady Congratulation to you and i wish you good health , God’s protection over you to still do good as you can do
    and in the mid time im trying my best to be who i can be

  17. GBSS
    July 19, 2012

    Congrats Royette the sky is the limit. All the best in your future studies. You’ve have represented your family, Grandbay, your school and your country especially the young people. Well done.

  18. Insensitive people
    July 19, 2012

    Keep on representing!!!! Congratulations

  19. July 19, 2012

    Congrats My Dear !!!

  20. tD20
    July 19, 2012

    We saw that dream and longtime ago and I am glad we nurtured it. Congratulations! You did not let us down, So proud of you.

  21. Brettsky
    July 19, 2012

    Congrats Aunty! :)

  22. a. m
    July 19, 2012

    Royette has and always will be at the top of her game. A young lady who thrive to achieve nothing less but the best. She doesn’t do it with just any attitude; she does it with a highly acclaimed, positive, spiritual and mentally focused attitude.
    This girl is amazing! She’s been a role model of mine back in High School at PCSS (formerly, Grand Bay Secondary School) and she still is. It’s not just because of her being a mentor, leader. It’s the PERSEVERANCE, The DETERMINATION, THE WILL and THE ATTITUDE towards “Never give up, Achieve and Succeed!!”

    Your mom would be proud girl. I know Mrs. Cuffy is way above cloud 9 cause I remember seeing her post on fb. lol MARVELOUS JOB Roey!! You keep doing it. :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink:

  23. July 19, 2012

    congrats royette joyce is up there praying for your we all in grandbay send there love to u especially your brother and sister and all your friends in dominica grandbay we come from i in dat i die nou

  24. The G
    July 19, 2012

    Way To Go Royo!!! So Proud!

  25. belle
    July 19, 2012

    that ting belle eh boy

  26. ...
    July 19, 2012

    Congratulations Royette!!!!!!

  27. south side
    July 19, 2012

    GRAND BAY AGAIN, o i am sorry the possitive people in Grand BAy don’t recieve all the press the negative ones get. Royette i know ur mom would be proud of you.

  28. Harolda
    July 19, 2012

    This is no surprise at all. This is who Royette is – A champion, a leader, a motivator, a mentor. She has always believed the sky is the limit and she is proving just that. Just a pity that Joyce isn’t here to celebrate Royette’s achievement. Well done and best wishes.

  29. hope
    July 19, 2012

    Job well done my dear. Such a pleasant face and smile!

  30. BLOCK 43
    July 19, 2012

    Hey Rorys congrats girl! Keep reaching for the sky. I am so proud of you.

  31. Proud Dominican
    July 19, 2012

    Beauty and Brains! An excellent combination

  32. Jean Gwabay
    July 19, 2012

    Congrats Royette. Wishing you all the best. Continue to excel and keep making your community and country proud.

  33. Dominican TO
    July 19, 2012

    Congrats

  34. =
    July 19, 2012

    way 2 go

  35. kept
    July 19, 2012

    congratulations are in order

  36. Gb
    July 19, 2012

    Congratulations!!
    Wish you all the best in your endeavors

  37. tina
    July 19, 2012

    moments like this make me proub to be from grand bay congrats girls

  38. D'ANGEL
    July 19, 2012

    CONGRATULATION ROYETTE. I AM VERY PROUD OF U.

  39. MOUN GWAH BAY
    July 19, 2012

    PHD ALL THE WAY!!!! BEAUTY AND BRAINS GO ROYETTE! AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL!

  40. Emprese
    July 19, 2012

    Congrats Royette.

  41. dom
    July 19, 2012

    good job. i know of a few grandbarians out there making us proud. its not surprising that the few i know are all women.let us continue to support them.i just wish thy would venture into focussing more about our mad and crazy people. but thats a start. congrats royette and i wish you all the best

  42. panthere972
    July 19, 2012

    félicitation tu le mérites

  43. Rudolph the Red Nose
    July 19, 2012

    Congrats girlfriend! Grand Bay is so proud of you and behind you 100%. No surprise on your achievements. God Bless you on this incredible journey towards your Ph.D! :)

  44. Reader
    July 19, 2012

    Whoa!! I don’t know this young lady but I am so impressed with what she has accomplished. Her area of study sounds extremely interesting and once completed I for one would like to read it.

    You go girl!

  45. M-Press Kiki
    July 19, 2012

    congratulation Royette well done

  46. Anonymous
    July 19, 2012

    positive girl congrats form six form college last year 2003

  47. d/a time
    July 19, 2012

    DONT KNOW YOU BUT AM VERY HAPPY FOR YOU GO OUT DO YOUR BEST GOD BLESS YOU AND THIS ARE THE THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY WITH THE YOUNG PEOPLE LIKE MY SELF GOOD THINGS STAY BLESS

  48. again
    July 19, 2012

    Congratulation girl. Past student of Pierre Charles Secondary and Grand Bay Primary. Proof that there is intelligence and excellence all over Dominica NOT just in ROSEAU SCHOOLS.

  49. GRAND BAY
    July 19, 2012

    Isn’t Royette the girl who used to live just by Ma Killan at Lawee Derierre? Well she has done Grand Bay proud. God bless her. People like her show the powerful intellectual capacity that resides in Grand Bay and yes, Dominica. While this is a Grand Bay thing, and we Grand Barians are proud, it is essentially a Dominican achievement. Again, may God keep you achieving Royette in His service and for His glory.

  50. المسلم_ دائما
    July 19, 2012

    Very good my girl! Keep it up.

  51. hmmmm
    July 19, 2012

    nice!

  52. Greatness Achieved..
    July 19, 2012

    Always been on the top keep it going my girl… bless :)

  53. Greatness Achieved..
    July 19, 2012

    Always been on the top keep it going my girl… bless

  54. Alice
    July 19, 2012

    Congratulations girl you make us proud.

  55. nevergiveup
    July 19, 2012

    who says good things cannot come out of grandbay.hearts off to u Royette Tavernier.u have gone through so much now is ur time to shine.congratulations to u.

    • Anonymous
      July 19, 2012

      Did someone really say that? We had a PM and President from there!

  56. Anonymous
    July 19, 2012

    Congratulations and best wishes for the future! You must be very proud and you make all Dominicans proud. Reach for the stars!!!

  57. 4progress
    July 19, 2012

    well done….all positive and inspirational

  58. 123
    July 19, 2012

    Wow, troyette i’m sooooooooo proud….Congrats :lol:

  59. Grand Bay Resident
    July 19, 2012

    You go girl. congrats!

  60. StreetBiker
    July 19, 2012

    Great!!! U deserve it man,worked hard throughout. All the best.

  61. Anonymous
    July 19, 2012

    Congratualtion….grand bay has done it again. Ur mom is above smiling.

  62. DOMINICAN
    July 19, 2012

    well done miss. grand bay is proud of you.

  63. Ms L
    July 19, 2012

    I am so so so proud of you Royette! You’ve always been a bright spot in the classroom. Congratulations!! continue to excel as you put God first and remain delegent in your studies!

    Royette also won a regional debating competition while she was at six form; which landed her a schol for an associate degree. She gives her best in everything she does!

  64. Sensible Dominican
    July 19, 2012

    Excellent! Im extremely happy to read this great news. Keep your head on and keep focus and you will surely suceed.

  65. keykiss
    July 19, 2012

    Congrats ms tarvanier

  66. .....
    July 19, 2012

    dats my girl royette..go girl..always has been so focused..keep excelling girlfriend

  67. happy
    July 19, 2012

    Congrats sweety u r bless

  68. keykiss
    July 19, 2012

    Congrats ms tavernier

  69. hmm
    July 19, 2012

    congrats Ms Tavernier!!!!

  70. Viewpoint
    July 19, 2012

    congratulations Royette!

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