Four graduating students in Abbotsford have received the Beedie Luminaries scholarship to help fund their post-secondary education.
Raven Coté from Abbotsford School of Integrated Arts, Christel Mazzek from St. John Brebeuf, and Devlyn Hart and Youl Sim from W.J. Mouat are the recipients.
“Being a recipient of a Beedie Luminaries scholarship has changed my life," Coté said. "Not only has it funded my post-secondary education which is allowing me to pursue my dream job, but it’s also given me access to mentors who can guide me through some of the most difficult years of my life."
The winners were announced on Thursday (June 13). Ryan Beedie, whose foundation Beedie Luminaries supplies the scholarships, is awarding $7.4 million to 167 students in 25 B.C. communities this year.
"Beedie Luminaries contribution and investment towards my higher education will help me focus on my studies instead of the financial burden," Sim said.
Beedie Luminaries Soaring Higher In Education (SHINE) scholarship program supports Grade 12 students who are face financial barriers by providing them with up to $44,000 over four years. They also receive resources in the form of mentors, student success managers, peer support groups, paid internships and ongoing support from the Beedie Luminaries community.
Of the recipients this year, 31 per cent will be the first in their immediate family to pursue higher education. Hart is one student in that percentage.
“Being the first person in my family to attend post-secondary means I don't have many people to turn to for advice or guidance," Hart said. "Not only does this scholarship give me financial freedom, it also means I'll have the support I need through the various resources that it offers."
Mazzek will attend the University of British Columbia, Sim will attend Simon Fraser University, and Coté and Hart will attend the University of the Fraser Valley.
“Being awarded the Beedie Luminaries scholarship is one of my greatest achievements," Mazzek said.
Since its inception in 2019, Beedie Luminaries has awarded $35 million in scholarships to 792 students.
