$1000 Winner!

I have decided to award the $1000 scholarship to the applicant who I believe Granddad would have identified most with. Granddad was a farmer and a family man first and foremost. He always valued community involvement and sports as well. I know that Granddad would have approved of this applicant. The following is the winning application:

I am a rural Central Alberta student studying Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary. This program is a broad based study of living organisms, and will allow me to branch into many different areas of study including Veterinary Medicine, my main area of interest. I have always loved animals and science, and being involved in 4-H and the Green Certificate program, I plan to focus on animal science.

I have been a member of the Blindman 4-H Light Horse Club for the past 8 years, and this program has introduced me to many different aspects of agriculture. Within my own club we focus on the growing equine industry, but I have also had lots of experience with beef cattle and multi-species judging. I have also completed two Green Certificate Technician programs; cow/calf production and equine production. This hands-on program gave me lots of experience within both fields and I learned so much; from breeding, to proper documentation, to livestock health. In November of 2009 I attended the Canadian Western Agribition in Regina, SK. This trip was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Regina Eastview, and 20 youth from all across Canada learned about various aspects of agriculture, and how there is more to the industry than livestock production.

I have been a member of the Lacombe Ringette Association for 11 years, as a player, assistant coach, volunteer and referee. I have also volunteered with the Meadowbrook Church Vacation Bible School for the past 6 years teaching children and organizing lessons and crafts. Also, throughout my high school years I have been involved in Students Union, and various athletic programs including badminton, track and field and tennis. Through my involvement with various organizations I have volunteered for the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Red Deer Ronald McDonald House capital fundraising campaign and the Lacombe Food Bank.

      Over the years that I have been involved in these various organizations, I have learned that together we can accomplish more than we can individually; although everyone has a different skill set and values we can all learn from each other. It is important to learn to lead and follow as necessary, compromise and work together to move forward and accomplish the goal.