Charles Piault came to Canada as a young man from France in 1910 and chose Oak Lake District as his field of work and learning. He graduated from Oakwood High School with the highest honor of the Governor General's medal. Following the declaration of war in 1914, he enlisted and was killed in action in France, August 18, 1918.
In his will he left a legacy to Oakwood School. Donations were added by citizens of Oak Lake, Sifton and Woodworth to the amount of $2000 establishing the Oakwood Memorial Scholarship. The purpose was to keep the memory of the men and boys of this district who gave their lives in the First World War. A required Act was passed by the province regarding administration of the scholarship. There is no written record of scholarship awards until 1930-31 and the scholarship continues to be awarded each year.