École Polytechnique has honoured a young female engineering student from Manitoba just days before the 28th anniversary of the 1989 massacre that claimed 14 lives.
READ MORE: Quebec gun lobby group facing criticism for rally at Polytechnique memorial
University of Manitoba graduate Ella Thomson received the Order of the White Rose in a ceremony in Montreal Friday.
READ MORE: École Polytechnique massacre marks 27th anniversary
She received a $30,000 scholarship as well as a necklace and 14 white roses in memory of the young women who were killed on Dec. 6, 1989.
WATCH BELOW: Remembering the Montreal massacre
The award was created in 2014 and is presented annually to a female student who wants to continue her studies in engineering.
READ MORE: Remembering the Montreal Massacre and looking at ways to curb violence against women
Thomson, 21, said learning about the massacre was a powerful reminder of the violence women in non-traditional fields have faced.
READ MORE: Should we still commemorate December 6? Pas de question
The Winnipeg native is now studying for a PhD at Stanford University in California, where she hopes to mentor young girls who want to enter the technical fields.
Comments