2023 John Jamieson Scholarship Recipient

CPO2 Keona Vierneza
RCSCC John Travers Cornwell, VC

CPO2 Keona Vierneza will attend the Canadian Mennonite University this Fall to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy. She aspires to one day applying what she learns in this program to a career as a therapist, with a musical background, in the Canadian Armed Forces.

During her time with John Travers Cornwell, VC, Keona has accomplished may things. She is a Level-4 Marksman, with numerous awards for marksmanship, including being part of the first-place team at the 2023 national Cadet competition and personally standing second overall at that competition. She is a Level-3 Communicator, SCOP 3, received The Navy League of Canada’s Medal of Excellence in 2023 and is currently the Corps’ Regulating Petty Officer (RPO). In addition to participating on the Marksmanship team, she has participated in the Guard and Drill Teams. As a senior Cadet, Keona tries to find the right balance between being a compassionate yet firm leader, listening to their concerns, providing encouragement when needed and instruction where needed; in essence helping guide them through an enjoyable Cadet experience.

Keona is also very active outside of Cadets. She is very active in her church’s youth program, taking a leadership role in events and conferences involving youth. She is also active in school activities, including being part of a dance team called Sisler’s Most Wanted (SMW), who perform for younger kids at events such as “healthapalooza” (mental wellness day) at Lord Nelson School and Project 11 (mental health awareness). Their dance group also was asked to introduce children to dance as a way to stay physically active, and to perform at the Winnipeg School Division’s MASS Retirement and Recognition Banquet.


John Paul Jamieson and CPO2 Keona Vierneza
John Paul Jamieson and CPO2 Keona Vierneza

2023 Scholarship Recipient & Presenters, HMCS Chippawa, December 4, 2023
John Paul Jamieson, Sheila Palmquist, CPO2 Keona Vierneza, Brenda Lofto Forsyth, and Barb Johnson

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