Four North Okanagan-Shuswap Grade 12 students are being recognized for their scholastic achievements with $40,000 scholarships.
Garrett Kelly of Salmon Arm Secondary and Lynndsay Terpsma of Pleasant Valley Secondary School in Armstrong have been awarded $40,000 scholarships from the Cmolik Foundation, while Salmon Arm Secondary student Glitter Esquivias and Clarence Fulton Secondary鈥檚 Dezirae Bond will receive $40,000 Beedie Luminaries scholarships.
Glitter said she applied for the scholarship because she wanted to see 鈥渏ust how far my own story could go, plus Beedie was just a perfect fit.鈥�
Beedie Luminaries scholarships are available to students who not only demonstrate strong academic potential, but are also involved in their communities and have faced life challenges and adversity with determination and optimism.
鈥淚鈥檓 hoping to pursue fine arts in university; it鈥檚 likely that it鈥檒l be theatre, music or visual arts. Perhaps even all three!鈥� said Glitter. 鈥淚鈥檓 a bit of a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to being a creator, so I鈥檓 honestly just planning to pursue what I enjoy and see where it takes me.
鈥淚鈥檇 really like to thank the faculty that supported me during the process, the school counsellors, my careers teacher, the lovely Indigenous education workers and then also my arts teachers. They鈥檝e all been such a wonderful help in supporting me, and I have such a beloved relationship with my fine arts teachers. I鈥檓 really going to miss it.鈥�
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Lynndsay Terpsma was recognized by the Cmolik Foundation for her achievements in overcoming adversity and excelling in her studies.
鈥淭he selection committee was impressed with Terpsma鈥檚 application, her academic goals and her future career aspirations,鈥� reads a media release from the Cmolik Foundation. 鈥淭he award recognizes and honours Terpsma鈥檚 hard work and commitment with this financial award and is keen to support Terpsma pursuing interests in science and biochemistry.鈥�
Terpsma plans on pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in Biochemistry at UBCO.
鈥淚 chose this area of study because I want to use applied research to target real world issues,鈥� she explained.
鈥淚 am so incredibly honoured to be awarded this scholarship, and it has taken away a huge portion of my stress about post-secondary school. I have always dreamed of attending UBC Okanagan, but I never thought it would happen, especially after my father鈥檚 passing in October 2021.鈥�
Janet Gillis, a French teacher at Pleasant Valley Secondary School, described Terpsma as, 鈥渁n exceptional student with exemplary grades resulting from diligent work habits and keen intellect.鈥�
鈥淪he has also been a model citizen in our school community, exemplifying positive behaviour, maturity and discipline throughout her high school career,鈥� said Gillis. 鈥淪he is a brilliant young woman who can make a difference in the world.鈥�
Garrett impressed the Cmolik Foundation鈥檚 selection committee with his application, academic goals and career aspirations. The award recognizes his hard work and commitment, said the Cmolik Foundation, which was keen to support Garrett in pursing a career as a French Immersion Social Studies teacher.
鈥淚 envision myself teaching at a high school while raising a family, coaching a minor hockey team and becoming a volunteer firefighter,鈥� said Garrett. 鈥淥f course, the financial support I will receive from the scholarship will be crucial in helping me achieve my future goals, but the fact that the Cmolik Foundation also offers support, in the form of mentors, to its students is a unique part of the award that, I believe, will prove just as valuable as the money I will receive.鈥�
Garrett credited Earl Dodds, his Grade 4/5 teacher at South Broadview, for his success in school, and teacher Patricia Izik-Dzurko, for help and support with scholarship applications.
鈥淗e is the reason I am the strong student I am today,鈥� said Garrett, who also expressed his gratitude to family, friends and everyone who has on his scholastic journey.
鈥淚 would also like to add one piece of advice for anyone experiencing adversity in their life, especially young people: don鈥檛 try to do everything yourself,鈥� said Garrett. 鈥淭here are people who care about you who you know and who you don鈥檛 even know of. You are strong enough and everything will be okay.鈥�
lachlan@saobserver.net
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