Taelor Gillis receives Big Country Agricultural Society Scholarship

By Diana Walker

Taelor is enrolled in the first semester of the Bachelor of Science in Animal Bioscience program at the University of Saskatchewan. Her goal is to become a large animal vet in the rural prairies.

Taelor, one of three Big Country Agricultural Society annual scholarships recipients, receives the first half of her $1,000 scholarship from BCAS director/scholarship committee member Kerry Molzan. Recipients must reside within the Special Areas and have completed Grade 12 from a school within Prairie Rose School Division north of the Red Deer River, or any school within Prairie Land School Division. They must be enrolled at a post-secondary institution in a post secondary course that would enhance rural living. PHOTO BY DIANA WALKER

Since moving to Oyen more than a year ago, Taelor, the eldest of Charlene Gillis's three daughters, has volunteered on many occasions beginning with the 2023 Indoor Rodeo at the Crossroads Centre. This branched into weekend agriculture events like jackpots and the New Year’s Eve bull riding. She also volunteered as a scorekeeper and timer at South Central High School sports and worked in the kitchen at the hockey rink.

“Through these experiences, I’ve learned so much and have made connections with all sorts of people within the community,” says Taelor. “If there were only two lessons to take away from volunteer and community work it would be:  ONE - that it truly connects the community and creates bridges and relationships that otherwise would never have happened; and TWO - the best kind of donation to give is time. Not everyone can donate thousands of dollars, but when a few people donate a couple of hours of hard work, many things can be accomplished.”

Taelor was always intrigued by animals and animal care. As a six-year-old, her go-to shows were Save My Pet, Dr. Jeff Rocky Mountain Vet and The Incredible Dr. Pol. As a result, she has always wanted to be a vet. Like every kid, she went back and forth between what she wanted to be but it always involved animals.

“Now that I’m older, I can’t imagine being anything else,” says Taelor. “I want to pursue large animal medicine partly due to my rural community work. I love this small community because everyone takes care of one another and is always looking to help a neighbour out. The program I’m taking this fall is a direct stream to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.”