Two graduated Grade 12 students were each presented with a 1,500 dollar cheque yesterday (July 24), thanks to the Clearwater/Spray Lake Sawmills Recreation Park Society.

Thanks, to the foresight of instigating an annual scholarship fund in the first place, the monies recognize outstanding youth who show exemplary qualities in all aspects of life. 

Heath Miller, COO of Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre says although there were several fantastic candidates both Keegan Phaneuf and Zoe Ouimette were worthy recipients. "We had a number of applicants really strong in the fields, but these kids' their academic achievement and community involvement was just outstanding. Our board of directors reviews the applications based on the criteria we have which include things such as academic achievement, community involvement, and a connection to Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre."

The funds are appreciated, says Phaneuf, who is headed into Engineering and Business at the University of Calgary. "These funds are pretty substantial, and they will help a lot."

Ouimette, who is headed to the University of Quebec to study Education, was thrilled.  "It is great, a good opportunity, and it's awesome because it means less work that we have to do while at University. It means we can concentrate more on our studies and it helps out a lot."

While Phaneuf shares his mom pointed out the scholarship opportunity, Ouimette says, she took note of the scholarship in Grade Ten. "I saw the announcement, and I know some people who have won it in the past just from school and stuff. So I thought I am going to take a chance because you never know if you don't take it."

Lastly, Miller, adds it feels great to support those who support our overall community and the sports facility. "It is really rewarding to see young people so involved go on to do great things, and that we can help them out a little bit. It is a really good feeling, and it is fantastic."