34 students acknowledged at Yukon College Awards ceremony

WHITEHORSE – Cheques will be handed out and the academic achievements of 34 students will be acknowledged tomorrow evening at the Yukon College Awards Ceremony.

A total of $32,000 will be awarded to Yukon College students in 2012. The awards range from bursaries of $200 to a full year of tuition. The annual event brings bursary donors together with the students who have earned them.

“The event is a wonderful opportunity for donors to hear how important their generosity is directly from the students who are receiving it,” said Bente Sorensen, Financial Aid advisor and event coordinator.

"Every little bit helps," said Talyce Henkel, an Electrical Pre-Employment Certificate student. "This will go towards books and tools."

21-year-old Henkel is receiving the Yukon Electrical Bursary of $500. Applicants for the award must provide examples of volunteer activities and being an ambassador for their community. Henkel's teen years coaching hockey and helping to run the youth centre in her home community of Haines Junction strengthened her application.

Tynan Thurmer will receive two awards. The Yukon Outfitters and the Janet and Pierre Berton awards total $900. The second-year Renewable Resources Diploma student said the money makes a big difference.

"I have a job also, but with a heavy course load there is not much time for that. These awards motivate me to stay focused on my school work," said Thurmer.

Fourth year Bachelor of Social Work student, Collyn Lovelace knows how important these bursaries are to students. Lovelace will receive the Rotary Club of Whitehorse Memorial Fund Award of $500.

"The recognition, as well as the financial boost is, very valuable when you are working so hard to improve your life," said the 30-year-old single mother.

"I really appreciate that the Rotary Club provides this support to students in their community."

The bursaries are made possible through generous donations by individuals, groups and companies directly to the College or through the Yukon College Endowment with the Yukon Foundation. The College entrance scholarship program awards one academic year of tuition to a maximum of two grade 12 students from each of Yukon’s graduating classes.

The Student Awards ceremony takes place in the Kinnikinnik Kaff at Yukon College at 5 p.m. on Thursday November 15th with a reception to follow.

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For more information, contact:

Michael Vernon
Communications Coordinator
College Relations
Yukon College
867.668.8786
867.332.4722
mvernon@yukoncollege.yk.ca

Jacqueline Bedard
Director
College Relations
Yukon College
867.456.8619
jbedard@yukoncollege.yk.ca