Shawnigan’s Guidance Office is active in encouraging students to apply for scholarships, whether that be through their chosen universities or other sources. That work is now paying off for the school’s students.
Earlier this month, 22 Shawnigan students took part in the adjudication night for District/Authority Scholarship program (formerly known as the Dogwood scholarships.) Last week, an impressive 15 of those students found out that they will receive $1,250 scholarships.
These scholarships recognize graduating BC students for excellence in their chosen area of interest or strength. To be considered for the scholarship, students prepare and submit an extensive application package and portfolio demonstrating excellence in at least one specialty area: Fine Arts, Applied Skills, Physical Activity, Indigenous Languages and Culture, International Languages, Community Service, or Technical and Trades Training.
“On the night, students also meet and speak with adjudicators from across the Victoria area,” describes Shawnigan University Guidance Counsellor Alison Dewis. “The adjudicators are all active in their respective fields, which means that students have to be well prepared to speak to their strengths and interest in their chosen specialty area.”
“Being a Canadian independent school with many students from BC, there is a yearly opportunity for students to showcase their talents,” says Mrs. Dewis. “This year, we had students applying for excellence in computer programming, leadership, sports, art, voice, music composition, community service, photography, language, theater, and film.”
“It is a nice way for students to be rewarded for their passions, as these scholarships are not tied to academic performance in the same way many other scholarships are,” adds Shawnigan University Guidance Assistant, Amanda Dalke.
Each year, the province distributes 5,500 District/Authority Scholarships across school districts and independent school authorities. The $1,250 scholarships are given as a voucher towards university or college tuition. In all, 143 students from independent schools on Vancouver Island applied for the District/Authority Scholarships, and 80 scholarships were awarded.
Congratulations to:
Meghan B | Sport Performance, Individual |
Byron C | Film Video |
Mishayla C | Sport Leadership |
Cailey C | Studio Art |
Paige D | Studio Art |
Atoussa F | Leadership |
Aria K | Music Popular - Vocal |
Isaac L | Model UN |
Amelia M | Musical Theatre |
Ethan R | Community Service |
Sarah R | Sport Leadership |
Carl S | Leadership |
Jojo T | Leadership |
Andre V | Computer Programming |
Kerry W | Leadership |