Last year we launched our scholarship program in partnership with the Vancouver School Board, BCIT, the Surrey School District, and the Native Education College. The young people who won awards are accomplished students and community participants. We'll be watching them as our leaders of the future. Congratulations! This year our scholarship program continues with scholarships to be awarded through these established partnerships.
Kelsey Favelle, Panorama Ridge Secondary - $1,000
Kelsey has maintained a GPA of 4.0. She has been very active in theatre and dance and travelled to Hawaii with the school dance team to compete in the Aloha International Spirit Competition and won first place. She is working part-time in the food industry and plans to attend SFU's Explorations program in September with a view to completing a BA and a career in business law.
Riley Brady-Springer, Kwantlen Park Secondary - $1,000
Riley is an honour roll student. For the past 4 years he has represented Surrey school distrct at the Aboriginal Youth Leadership Conference, returning last year as a group leader. For 3 consecutive years he received the Aboriginal student of the year award at Kwantlen Park Secondary. He is active in track, cross-country and lacrosse. Riley plans to attend UBC in September and complete a degree in engineering.
Chris Leroux, BCIT - $1,000
Chris is a student in the Nautical Sciences Program at BCIT. He is currently on a 4 month practicum aboard a vessel sailing in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. We reached Chris over the internet and he's looking forward to sharing his adventures with us when he returns. Good luck on the high seas Chris!
An Interview with Kelsey Favelle
USF: Kelsey how did you feel when you found out that you had won the Urban Spirit Foundation award?
KF: I was really surprised and very grateful to Urban Spirit Foundation. But I don't want to put a whole lot of focus on my personal achievement. I want to thank the Aboriginal Worker at my high school and the Elder William Pierre, from the Katzie Nation. who were an inspiration to me.
USF: You have accomplished a lot. Can you tell us something of what you are doing now?
KF: I started University this fall at Simon Fraser Surrey campus. I am taking first year Social Sciences in the cohort program. We study a wide variety of courses – like sociology, psychology and criminology. I am excited about what I am learning and enjoying getting to know the other students because we have small classes.
USF: Sounds like you have found an area of study that has your interest. What are you thinking about for a career in the future?
KF: I think that I change my mind every few minutes! There are so many possibilities. Right now I mostly want to continue enjoying school at SFU and my goal is to graduate with a BA. One area that might be a possibility for me is youth justice.
USF: We'll keep in touch Kelsey and best wishes for the year ahead.