Grade 12 graduates out of the Tri-Cities are set to begin post-secondary pursuits that, for some, may have seemed impossible at first.
Today (May 30), seven regional students that have "faced life challenges and adversity with determination and resilience" were unveiled among 140 across B.C. to receive a scholarship up to $40,000 each for university or college.
It's the latest round of scholarships from the Beedie Luminaries foundation.
At a total of $6.2 million awarded to high schoolers, as well as 17 single parents looking to return to the classroom, it's the largest number of bursaries issued by the organization since its inception four years ago.
The local recipients are as follows (in alphabetical order):
- Anysia Andrisoaia = Coquitlam / Gleneagle Secondary
- Abigail Joseph = Coquitlam / One Planet International School
- Ashleigh Scott = Port Coquitlam / Terry Fox Secondary
- Katya Shaporenko = Port Moody / Port Moody Secondary
- Will Symington = Port Coquitlam / Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary
- Jack Tedder = Port Coquitlam / BC Christian Academy
- Ellena Yazdani = Coquitlam / Heritage Woods Secondary
As well, the scholarship will see all seven Tri-Cities' students paired with mentors, and will be offered paid work opportunities, student support, invitations to special events and access to the Beedie Luminaries online community.
According to the Beedie Luminaries foundation, 38 per cent of its student recipients are set to be the first in their immediate family to pursue post-secondary education and 55 per cent are either the child of a single parent or legal guardian.
Its release states the funds support those that "demonstrate strong academic potential" and are "involved in their communities," while overcoming personal challenges and adversity.
"Year after year, I am amazed and inspired by the sheer number of bright, driven and highly engaged students who apply to the Beedie Luminaries program and the promise that they show," says founder Ryan Beedie in a news release.
"I am elated to be able to extend our support to more students than ever before so that even more talented British Columbians can pursue higher education and reach their full potential."
Tri-Cities' Grade 12s set to graduate in 2023 and interested in applying for the scholarship can do so by visiting the Beedie Luminaries website.
