The R.M. of Wilton has awarded four students each a $1,000 scholarship to put towards their post-secondary education. On, Thursday, Cole Stephens, Hayley Wickham, Allanah Craig and Kayden Nixon were awarded the scholarships in front of the rural council.
Human Resource Manager and Communications Coordinator Krista Bondy says council’s decision was made to help the smalltown kids ease the cost of post-secondary. Going forward, the award will be given out annually.
“We know there that there is going to be some struggles there in individual homes so this is one way we can lighten some of that burden.”
After recently walking the stage within the past couple weeks, the students are now ready to head into the next phase of their lives with the help of the municipality. Council chose from eight applicants, weighing out criteria such as the student’s academics, financial need, length of time in school and community involvement.
Wilton students continue their high school education in Lashburn or Lloydminster, which is why the rural government will award two students from each of those areas. Applicants send in an essay to the council which includes the program they’re going into, they’re career goals and how they will contribute back to Saskatchewan.
Bondy says the students must meet the required grades to get into their respective programs but the recipients were weighed heavier on their financial need and community involvement as opposed to academics.
“I think we recognize that a lot of times, especially in high school, that we have to do high school. So, it isn’t necessarily fair that we look at the academics solely.”
Bondy adds the R.M. is happy with the results from this year’s scholarship process and looks to see more applicants in the coming years.
