University of Lethbridge. (Photo: U of L)

By Mario Cabradilla

University of Lethbridge awards $5,000 to six high school graduates

Jun 9, 2022 | 3:11 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge (U of L) has awarded a total of $30,000 in Chinook Scholarships to six of the province’s top high school graduates.

In a June 9, 2022 news release, the recipients of $5,000 scholarships are Andreas Gateman (Holy Trinity Academy, Okotoks), Bhawana Pradhan (Winston Churchill High School, Lethbridge), Kealani Wickend (Kate Andrews High School, Coaldale), Alejandro Figueroa (Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Lethbridge), Makena Wood (Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Lethbridge), and Karl Boehme (Magrath High School, Magrath).

Mike Mahon, U of L President and Vice-Chancellor, says the recipients demonstrated superior academic achievements and leadership.

“These students have shown throughout their high school careers to be leaders in their schools and in their communities,” says Mahon. “Their applications highlight a well-rounded group of engaging young people who take initiative, are empathetic and utilize the critical thinking skills that will greatly add to our campus community. We’re excited to welcome them to ULethbridge to begin their post-secondary journeys.”

Bhawana Pradham, who intends to study Health Sciences and Management, said the award will allow her to take more classes with less financial worries. She said, “It also means a lot to me because it rewards my academic achievements and lessons learned throughout life.”

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On the other hand, the award reassured Alejandro Figueroa, who intends to study Kinesiology, that he was on the right path. He said, “I am truly grateful and elated to have been chosen as a recipient of the award, as it helps reassure me that I am on the right trajectory and have the capabilities to navigate this new stage of my life.

Meanwhile, Makena Wood, who intends to study Neuroscience, said receiving the award was an acknowledgment of her hard work and achievements, in addition to boosting her confidence. She said, “I am excited to experience and participate firsthand in the amazing neuroscience program, to get to know some of the talented researchers and professors who make the program what it is, and to explore the amazing technology we have access to.”

Andreas Gateman said the scholarship alleviated his burden of paying tuition costs and made him more comfortable going into his first year of post-secondary school. He added, “I’m honoured to have been chosen and look forward to starting my studies at ULethbridge in the fall. I am excited to focus my education on something I am truly passionate about and interested in discovering.”

Kealani Wickend is also as excited as the rest of the recipients. She said, “this award means the world to me. I have always believed in the importance of leadership within schools and communities. I thoroughly enjoyed taking on roles of encouragement to develop a positive and inclusive environment. I am very excited about all the new experiences I hope to have at the University of Lethbridge.”

Karl Boehme said he cannot wait to go dig into subjects that interest him. He said, “this award increases my confidence in my leadership skills and is a very welcome support to help me focus on my education. I love to learn! I can’t wait to go deeper into topics that interest me and have a greater understanding of and appreciation for the world around me.”

The awards will be presented to the recipients over the next few weeks.