22 juin 2017
Sandra Schmirler Foundation Junior Scholarships
Sandra Schmirler Foundation – For the fifth consecutive year, the Sandra Schmirler Foundation has awarded six $5,000 scholarships to junior curlers pursuing their competitive curling dreams while continuing their post-secondary education. Scholars will have the added benefit of mentoring with champion curlers, Cathy Overton-Clapham and Pat Simmons.
“Pat and I are really looking forward to mentoring these young curlers who are talented in so many different ways. The application process for the Spirit of Sandra Scholarships is challenging and very competitive. These six scholars excel both athletically and academically. They are engaged with their communities and committed to giving back to curling and to keeping Sandra’s legacy alive”, said Cathy. “Both of us are honoured to work with these amazing young athletes and contribute to the realization of their personal dreams and aspirations”, added Pat.
As part of their scholarship, each of the scholars will organize a fundraising event in their own community. The scholars will have the opportunity to award a $10,000 grant to a hospital of their choice to purchase life-saving equipment for the Newborn Intensive Care Unit.
All of the scholars will gather in Winnipeg this summer for a camp hosted by Cathy
and Pat who are both volunteers for the Sandra Schmirler Foundation.
INTRODUCING OUR SPIRIT OF SANDRA SCHOLARS
KARSTEN STURMAY is from Leduc, Alberta. He’s attending the University of Alberta working towards a Bachelor of Science degree
with a major in Chemistry. He’s one of three repeat winners. “One
of the most special parts about curling to me is the shared sense of community. When I organized the Crowd Sweep at the World Men’s in Edmonton this year, I witnessed this first hand. It was truly amazing to see the massive amount of people that remembered Sandra, and the generosity that they displayed in her honour”, said Karsten.
HAYDEN FORRESTER is from Winnipeg, studying Biology and Psychology at l’Université de Saint Boniface. Hayden is an Ambassador for a non-profit organization that promotes bilingualism across Canada. Hayden said, “My immediate goal for next season is to win the Canadian Junior Curling Championship. My all-time dream is to wear the maple leaf at the Olympic Games”. Further, “I hold myself to a standard to achieve great success with the right set of values in mind, as Sandra Schmirler did for many years”.
MEGAN DANIELS is from Delta, BC and is another repeat winner.
Megan is studying History at Simon Fraser University and juggling full-time studies, curling competitively and working part-time. Megan said,
“I curl because of my love of the sport. My dream this year is to represent Canada at the World Junior Championships and ultimately at the Olympics”. Megan also volunteers with junior curling programs. “Seeing these kids curling just for fun, reminds me there is so much more than competition”.
DEREK LEUNG is from Toronto, and is attending Laurentian University studying for his Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Architecture.
He was awarded the national Dean’s Entrance Scholarship for Excellence (2015 – 2019). “Curling is an amazing sport for all ages. It is part of my life”, said Derek. “My goals in curling are two-fold; first, I want to participate in the Worlds and the Olympics as an athlete and as a coach. Second, I want to use my experience and training to develop a world-class junior curling program, because youth are the future of our sport”.
KYLE BARRON is from Newfoundland Labrador. He’s a repeat scholar, attending Memorial University in Saint John’s. “After receiving my degrees in Mathematics and Education, my plans include being a high school teacher in my hometown of Stephenville” Kyle said. “I hope to be on a competitive men’s team in Newfoundland and make it to the Brier and even the World Championships. I would love to continue being an active volunteer in my community, curling club and with the Sandra Schmirler Foundation”.
EMILY PLETT is from Carstairs, Alberta and is studying Nursing. She plans to pursue her dream of winning Junior Provincials and heading to Nationals. “Our country is filled with endless privileges and opportunities and curling is most certainly one of them”, Emily said. “I plan to further my education with a neonatal or geriatric nursing specialty”, she added. “I want to balance my career and curling life, however, my number one goal is to use my education in nursing to aid communities in other parts of the world where the need for health care is desperate”.
“We continue to be impressed with all of our Scholars; their enthusiasm, energy and commitment,” said Chris Atchison, Chair of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. “Our Scholars have proven to be outstanding ambassadors for the Foundation, always leading by example. We are also very grateful to the curling community for their on-going support as we continue to ensure that Sandra’s legacy lives on with future generations”.
For more information contact:
Robin Wilson
Leadership Director, Sandra Schmirler Foundation
wilson@sandraschmirler.org
604-230-5871 (cell)