Avery Dillabough receives Jardine Bursary
By Diana Walker
Enrolled in her second year of Kinesiology and Education combined dual degree at the University of Calgary, Avery Dillabough is a 2023 South Central High School graduate. Upon completing her undergraduate degree, Avery plans to pursue her passion for teaching as a rural educator in Alberta.
Growing up on a farm/ranch outside of Acadia Valley gave Avery an immense appreciation for her municipality and the benefits of embracing a small community.
Avery Dillabough receives one of three $1,000 Jardine Bursaries from Sharon Dahl, representing the committee including Cheryl Ball and Diana Walker.
In Oyen, she delivered Meals on Wheels; was a member of the SCHS students council in Grade 12 taking pride in planning spirit week and bringing the whole school together in activities on holidays; kept score at volleyball and basketball games and worked in the booth and scoreboard for Badlands Badgers games. She helped organize the graduation ceremony in the arena to ensure community members could be part of the big day. Throughout high school, she was a dedicated Scorpion who participated in volleyball, badminton and track and field. She was also an avid dancer at Wilson School of Dance since the age of 4.
In Acadia Valley, she volunteered for Ferguson Park community cleanups, participated in many school/community bottle drives and helped set up events like Rod and Gun Club supper and the annual Acadia Valley Gala.
At university, she volunteered for the Rehab and Fitness program aiding individuals with their physiotherapy exercises.
“Throughout volunteering,” says Avery, “I have encompassed many values. It has helped me appreciate rural life and allowed me to exercise leadership.”
For the third consecutive summer (2024), Avery worked as a public works assistant for the MD of Acadia #34, earning great respect from ratepayers. Since age 14, she has worked as a kids’ camp supervisor, developing strong relationships with community members and gaining experience in her career field. She did work experience at Big Country Hospital with the local physiotherapist, gaining experience in a rural healthcare system.
A passionate and dedicated volleyball player since grade six, Avery played throughout junior and senior high school and with the 3C’s Krakens in Consort and the SEAVC Medicine Hat Rattlers. She continues to play intramurals during university.
“Playing volleyball has shown me how to be a team player, respect others and help me develop exceptional communication and time management skills,” adds Avery.
“I am a high-achieving individual who has made the honour roll consecutively since grade 4. My love of sports and academics has driven me to be committed, competitive, motivated and goal-oriented,” she concludes.
Avery shared an update: The winter semester marks the halfway point of my degree. During my first 3 years, I will study Kinesiology; years 4 and 5 will be in Education. I have nearly completed my kinesiology courses and have started to focus my studies on leadership and coaching. I chose this field as the skills will be beneficial when I begin Education. I hope to return to my rural roots and coach sports at a school one day. The kinesiology faculty is one of the smaller faculties. Class sizes are about 500 students. Once you start specializing, they are from 100-300 students. The university accepts 10-15 concurrent kinesiology and education students annually. I have met so many great friends. The kinesiology professors are passionate and great mentors. Coming from a small school was a big adjustment. I am eternally grateful for my upbringing and love sharing the highlights of rural life with my friends. I am finally in a groove and have found my campus bearings. My favourite parts about campus include the gym and anatomy and physiology lab. We are fortunate to learn the anatomy and physiology of human cadavers. I feel this enhances my learning and gives me an advantage over students at other universities. Overall, I am enjoying my program and the university a lot.