Rotary club announces 2023 ag scholarship

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on October 19, 2022.

The Rotary Club of Lethbridge East has announced its fifth annual $10,000 Agriculture Scholarship program and dinner. Recognizing the importance of agriculture in the community the club looks to support students in their pursuit of agricultural careers, awarding eight scholarships in past years.

Applicants can apply at rotaryagscholarship.ca. To qualify, applicants must have successfully completed at least two full years (60 credits) of training at a recognized post-secondary institution in agriculture or in a related field. They must be a legal resident of southern Alberta or have lived here for seven of the past ten years. Rotary Foundation members or relations are not eligible to apply, and those applying must be able to explain how their professional goals align with the Rotary’s principles found online at rotary.org.

“We have already awarded eight scholarships over the last four years, and we hope to award two more scholarships this year to worthy undergraduate students,” said Wayne Lindwall, chair of the Ag Scholarship Adjudication Committee with the club, during a media scrum at the Coast Hotel on Monday. “We don’t just look for the top ag academic student. We are looking for students that have been active in their community leadership. Understanding the principles of advocacy for agriculture and Rotary. They will be asked a few questions about Rotary as well, since we think there is overlapping priorities.”

Former winners of the scholarships have noted it is a hard-fought prize and that the money helps towards their careers with the funding.

“It really helps to support the cost of education,” said Adam Fast, one of the previous winners. “Having access to this award has removed any immediate financial stress I had going into the school year, which I warmly welcome. Because between writing my thesis, giving a few upcoming academic presentations, and defending my thesis hopefully in March or April, this has already given me enough to worry about.”

With multiple $10,000 scholarships up for grabs the money helps students work towards their careers while alleviating the stress of graduating with debt, getting them into careers that work with their goals.

“The scholarship helps recognize the impact that agriculture has on our lives and economy,” said Lindwall. “What better way to invest in the future of our economy than to support young agricultural students. Agriculture really helps our economy in so many ways.”

Applications will open on Dec. 1 and go until the deadline on Jan. 31, 2023 with the awards dinner held on March 2, 2023 at the Coast Lethbridge Hotel and Conference Centre announcing the winners.

“In my experience with this scholarship, I’ve been humbled and bounced back and forth with excitement and nerves,” said Fast. “I have felt supported by the community and felt the need to carry on. Being supported by the community as a whole is the greatest feeling I have had in my academic career.”