Former high school students earn scholarships

Two former Innisfail students, Courtney Dickson and Emma Heistad, recently received a scholarship from the Innisfail and District Agricultural Society.

The sixth annual Dr. Greg Ritson-Bennett Memorial Scholarship was presented to two recipients this year. Heistad, a former student of Innisfail's St. Marguerite Bourgeoys School and graduate of Notre Dame High School in Red Deer, received her scholarship on Sept. 20 while Dickson, a graduate of Innisfail High School, was awarded her scholarship certificate and cheque during an awards night in Innisfail on Oct. 8.

Recipients received a $600 scholarship towards furthering their education at the post-secondary level. Dickson is currently pursuing studies in Lethbridge and Heistad is studying in Red Deer.

“It was difficult for the committee to choose between Emma and Courtney, so they decided to give the scholarship to both girls,” said Sylvia Mathon, treasurer of society.

The award was created to recognize former Innisfail resident Dr. Greg Ritson-Bennett's exceptional contributions to the community.

“He was very community-minded and very supportive,” said Mathon, noting there is usually just one recipient for the scholarship but the committee felt the two girls were equally deserving.

“Both Courtney and Emma are very worthy recipients,” she said. “They are both very active in the community, and are Grade 12 graduates. They stood out amongst the other 19 applications we had.

“We need young people in the community to be active,” she added.

In addition, there were six $500 agricultural bursaries presented this year, one $475 bursary in the trades and 10 other bursaries totalling $475 in various studies. There was also one recipient of the $200 Green Certificate Scholarship.

The Innisfail and District Agricultural Society awarded a total of $9,625 to local students in the Innisfail community in 2015 and over the past 10 years it has awarded more than $100,000 to local students.

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