Since 2005, Coastal Community Credit Union has been helping local grade 12 students with their post-secondary plans. This year, eight high school seniors each received $2,000 toward a program at an undergraduate college or university, trade school or special interest school.
The application comes with a twist: students submit a plan for a project to improve their community. Based on these plans, eight students are chosen for a $2,000 scholarship, with two selected as overall winners. This year Rylan Prescesky of Dover Bay Secondary School and Tessa Zimmerman of North Island Secondary School were awarded top place. They will each receive up to $1,000 to implement their projects, as well as an additional $1,000 scholarship.
Rylan’s plan is to spread awareness through multiple channels of the importance of giving blood. You can look for his information in places like hockey camps, community bulletin boards and social media. He’s even designed a t-shirt to reward the first 50 donors through his campaign. The slogan is “Every Drop Counts,” and Rylan will also hold a draw for donors to win gift certificates.
Tessa’s project is to have two metal benches made and installed along two popular residential routes to the downtown core in Port McNeill. One route will be along McNeill Road, and the other leads to the top of Haddington Crescent. The benches will help those needing a rest from a strenuous uphill climb to their homes.
Congratulations to each of the eight winners. They all sent in creative and thoughtful plans.
Rylan Prescesky, Dover Bay Secondary School, Nanaimo;
Orson Myck, Ucluelet Secondary School, Ucluelet;
Ella Louie, Wellington Secondary, Nanaimo;
Katelyn Putz, John Barsby Secondary School, Nanaimo;
Peyton Haslam, Cedar Community Secondary School, Nanaimo;
Sarah McDowell, North Island Secondary School, Port McNeill;
Tessa Zimmermann, North Island Secondary School, Port McNeill; and
William Maras-Hilling, Wellington Secondary School, Nanaimo.
“As these young leaders have shown, the youth of today are the key to building healthier communities for tomorrow,” said Kristin Hocking, Community Experience Specialist with Coastal Community. “Every year our applicants hit the ball out of the park with their caring proposals to give back. Our future is in good hands.”
