Oyen students awarded scholarships

Ryley Dziatkewich and Nicole Bodnaruk were each awarded a Big Country Agricultural Society Scholarship and a Jardine Bursary.

Riley Dziatkewich

Ryley Dziatkewich grew up on a small organic grain farm near Oyen.

“Living on a farm most of my life has taught me many valuable lessons and created many opportunities for me,” she said in her applications.

Involved in her community, Ryley varied her volunteering from sports events to visiting the senior citizen lodge.

“My passions include horseback riding, snowboarding, volleyball and hunting. Being immersed in this lifestyle taught me to persevere, how to be patient, and how to look at my existence with gratitude for what I have in life.”

While taking part in the South Central High School Student Mentorship program, Ryley was a mentee for two years, then a mentor for two years, engaging with young people and teaching them about her passions and discovering theirs. The program came to an end at the beginning of the pandemic. Coronavirus also ended her visits with the seniors at the lodge. “They had so many wonderful stories and gave me a new perspective on life,” said Ryley.

From grades 8 through 12, Ryley volunteered as a ref at school and community sports. She also volunteered for the Big Country Agricultural Society in the kitchen, helped with ground set-ups during events, cleaning and helping with organization of events. “I really enjoy the atmosphere at the arena and engaging with various people.”

She volunteered for the Badlands Badgers Baseball Academy as well. “I love being at the diamonds and helping out a local organization that brings the community together.”

After graduating in 2022 from South Central High School in Oyen, Ryley continued her educational journey at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

“I am taking a Bachelor of Science in Animal Health Sciences after switching from Kinesiology. I hope to continue on to a career in animal genetics. I am most looking forward to working with animals at the university farm on South Campus and gaining more knowledge in the agricultural field,” concludes Ryley.

Ryley was awarded a 2022 Big Country Agricultural Society Scholarship and a Jardine Bursary.

Nicole Bodnaruk

After graduating from South Central High School, Oyen, in 2022, Nicole Bodnaruk, headed off in the fall to the University of Alberta in Edmonton to take a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in Animal Science.

“Growing up in Cappon, a rural area surrounded by cattle and grain, has led me to find a passion in agriculture, one in which I would like to pursue,” said Nicole in her BCAS Scholarship application.

In an email in January 2023, Nicole wrote, “After a lot of adjustment, I settled into a routine for my first semester and got used to living in the city. My first semester went well. I joined the Agriculture club at the University and made new friends. The start of my second semester is going good. I’m taking four classes, including an Animal Science class which I have really been enjoying. I am also taking part in volunteering at the Dairy Barn in the South Campus whenever I have free time.”

In her application for the Jardine Bursary, Nicole said, “In my program, I get to examine the specific aspects of animals and livestock. I will gain knowledge and practical skills in animal production systems. “

Nicole has volunteered at the Crossroads Centre for multiple functions and helped with Meals on Wheels and a bottle drive while in high school.

“After completing my Bachelor of Science, I would like to further my education in the field of Veterinary Medicine,” concluded Nicole.

Nicole was the 2022 recipient of a Big Country Agricultural Society Scholarship and a Jardine Bursary.

Rose Jardine Bursary

AMOUNT: $500-$1000 (awarded in December)
NUMBER: 1-3

CONDITIONS & CRITERIA: Offered to students from Oyen and area who are registered and succeeding in a program at a post-secondary institution. Preference will be given to students who have volunteered in their community and are enrolled in programs that will give them potential for future community involvement. Preference is also given to students enrolled in their second, third or fourth years of a post-secondary program.

APPLICATIONS: Applicants are asked to write a letter to the bursary committee describing their course, providing information about themselves, their volunteer and community participation and plans for the future. Applications should include proof of registration at a post-secondary institution, date, name, email address, mailing address and phone number.

Send applications to:

Jardine Bursary Committee
Box 420
Oyen, AB T0J 2J0
403-664-6600
Email: fwalker1@telus.net (subject line: Jardine Bursary)

DEADLINE: October 15, 2023

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