An Abbotsford resident has been named as one of 48 recipients of the annual Coast Capital Savings Education Awards to assist with their post-secondary expenses.
Katie Szabo, a graduate of Yale Secondary, received a $2,000 Citizenship Award, which was given to 32 people who demonstrated extraordinary leadership in all facets of their lives.
The other 16 youth received the Standing Tall Award, valued at $5,000 and given to those who have made a positive impact in their communities in the face of personal adversity.
In total, $144,000 was awarded.
Szabo received her award based on her extensive volunteer work, including as a member of student council, a senior leader in her school’s student leadership group and at the Cyrus Centre, providing help to at-risk youth in Abbotsford.
She said she was elated when she learned she had won the Coast Capital award.
Szabo just started her first year studying social sciences at the University of Victoria with the goal of becoming a leadership teacher.
“I want to be able to inspire and empower students to do good in their communities, just as my teachers have done for me,” she said.
More than 800 B.C. students applied online for the 48 scholarships. The successful recipients were selected by local adjudication committees composed of Coast Capital staff volunteers.