Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce vice-president Adrian Stetski (left) and president Andrew Beusekom (right) presented $250 Junior Chamber awards to F.P. Walshe school students Veronica Hoskin and Lydia Nelson.
Four F.P. Walshe school students were rewarded last week for their involvement with Fort Macleod’s Junior Chamber.
Veronica Hoskin, Lydia Nelson, Raegan Lichtenberger and Kiara Hellwig each received a $250 scholarships from the Chamber.
Raegan worked with the Chamber of Commerce, Kiara was at Homestead Bakeshop, Lydia was at Extendicare and Veronica worked at Hand-in-Hand Out of School Care.
Each student also received reference letters from their employers for use with future job applications.
The students also earned school credits for their hours spent volunteering at their work placements and within the community.
The $1,000 scholarship money was provided by Community Futures, Magnum Swine Genetics, and MNP.
The Chamber had planned to award one $1,000 scholarship to the top student, but changed that when the work experience placements were cut short in March by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The money was instead split evenly between the four students.
“I think they’re pretty pleased,” Chamber president Andrew Beusekom said Thursday during the October meeting at the Empress Theatre.
Beusekom and vice-president, Adrian Stetski presented the awards to Veronica and Lydia at F.P. Walshe school.
Chamber executive director Ashley Nelson later presented awards to Raegan and Kiara, who graduated in June.
The Chamber does its best to match students with work experience placements that fit their interests and abilities.
“Our hopes are that students can gain some hands-on learning, leadership skills, as well as a better understanding of a direction they want to pursue post-graduation,” Ashley Nelson said.
Applications are open for the 2020-’21 school year for students in Grade 10-12. Contact Ashley Nelson or the school career practitioner for more information.
Businesses interested in taking on a student, or in sponsoring the awards, can also contact Ashley Nelson at 403-715-2125 or fmchamber1888@gmail.com.
