Giving their post-secondary plans a big boost, Bert Church High School graduate Madison Hansen and W.H. Croxford High School graduate Rachel Jensen have both received $5,000 Chinook entry scholarships to attend the University of Lethbridge this fall.
According to a press release from the U of L, the Chinook scholarship is considered the southern Alberta university’s “most prestigious high-school entrance award.” Hansen and Jensen were two of only six students to receive the scholarship in Alberta this year.
“The commitment these students have shown to their studies, their classmates and their communities throughout their high-school careers is impressive,” said Dr. Erasmus Okine, the U of L’s provost and vice-president academic, in a statement released to the media. “They have shown they are among the brightest young minds in the province, with an aptitude for leadership and service. We are excited to welcome them as part of our vibrant campus community and look forward to seeing the avenues they will explore throughout their post-secondary journeys.”
W.H. Croxford grad Jensen will be taking the combined degree for education and English at the U of L.
As part of the scholarship application process, applicants had to not only demonstrate their academic excellence, but also their community leadership capabilities.
In Jensen’s case, she has served as a recreation volunteer and leader with the City of Airdrie, a student manager in leadership with W.H. Croxford High School, and as a student leader in Movement for Mental Health. She also served as junior counsellor for the Rotary Youth Club.
“I wanted the U of L,” explained Jensen, who admitted to having some anxiety about going to school away from home due to the financial challenges involved before winning the scholarship. “It has the best education program in the province … Honestly, winning the scholarship means the world to me because it means I can comfortably stay at U of L, and know I am in the right place.”
Jensen has hopes to be a teacher or a writer of children’s fiction one day.
According to Jensen, being one of only six students chosen for the scholarship in Alberta is a great feeling.
“I am so grateful for such an amazing opportunity, and it really makes all the hard work worth it,” she said.
Bert Church grad Madison Hansen was also proud to be chosen as a recipient of this year’s Chinook scholarship, adding she didn’t initially believe she’d be among the six selected.
“When I got a letter from their president saying I got it, I was surprised and excited for it,” she said. “It will help me pay for my tuition and living expenses down there (in Lethbridge), and it will help me focus on school more.”
Hansen will be taking general sciences and education while attending the U of L with the hope of one day becoming a school teacher.
The Chinook scholarship selection committee recognized Hansen for her leadership skills and community involvement in presenting her with the award.
Hansen was team captain for the Chargers’ girls’ basketball, soccer and volleyball teams, and she also volunteered to coach boys’ basketball and volleyball on the side. She has also volunteered as a math tutor for fellow students, was president of the High School Grad Committee, and served as a volunteer with the Summit Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis.
“It made me feel really good and proud of myself to receive this scholarship,” explained Hansen, “because I have been a leader quite a bit throughout my life. I have tried to step up and help others in my sports and the volunteer work I have done.”
