Thanks to the generosity of the local community, a number of Sooke students will be getting a piece of over $100,000 in scholarships and bursaries as they take their next steps after high school.
"The cost is a real barrier for a lot of students, even if they're attending a school locally, it's quite expensive," said Al Phipps, a counsellor at Edward Milne Community School (EMCS). "We've gotten to know them all through high school, Grade 9 through 12, and it's been a neat process to see them develop their goals and research different possibilities for post-secondary and get their applications in."
"No matter what the amount, I think it really does make a difference to students."
Lila Wark, who is moving on to Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, was a standout in the school, receiving numerous bursaries from community organizations and post-secondary institutions for her work in community service, leadership, sports, as well as her academic success.
"I'm very appreciative. I wouldn't be here without Mr. Phipps helping me to do it – also, my coaches, my teachers, my family and friends," she said. "I'm very honoured to be recognized for them because I know a lot of other students also tried to get them, and they take a lot of time [to apply for], so I'm very lucky."
As a longtime member of the Girl Guides and a French-immersion student, she plans to pursue a bachelor of education to teach elementary French immersion in the future.
"I want other kids to be able to have the memories that I have with my friends. And these friendships, even though we all said goodbye this morning, these are friendships that I'm going to have forever, and I'm going to remember those," she said.
Vincent Magdziarz, another scholarship-winning student, will be taking criminal justice at Camosun College next year before he tries his hand at joining the RCMP.
"My uncle, he was in the police department, and I looked up to him a lot when I was a kid," said Magdziarz, who has always had an interest in the law. "I want to help people, especially people on their worst days."
He changed from a school in Langford to EMCS, which was a challenge, he says. However, through his community work with the Cadets, as a volunteer sailing instructor, school ended up being a breeze.
"I am happy to graduate. Four years is a lot, but I will miss certain things about the school – teachers, my friends," he said.
Not including the tens of thousands donated by the provincial government and post-secondary schools for bursaries, over 40 Sooke-based businesses, organizations and estates donated more than $100,000 for EMCS students' scholarships. The students found out what they were awarded as they walked the stage last week.
"I've worked in three different school districts, and what stands out to me about Sooke is just the support that we have from the local community, it's something that I haven't seen before," said Phipps. "I just want to express my gratitude for all the support that the local community provides."
