A Castlegar grad has received a life-changing scholarship.
Stanley Humphries Secondary School student Grace Cline has been awarded a $44,000 Beedie Luminaries scholarship.
The Beedie Luminaries scholarship program provides students who demonstrate strong academic potential and determination, but face financial barriers to attending post-secondary, with financial support as well as access to mentors, student coaches, paid internships and ongoing support from the Beedie Luminaries community.
“Receiving this scholarship from Beedie Luminaires is life changing for me and my studies,” says Grace Cline. “My family and I are so thankful for this scholarship and highly recommend the Beedie Luminaries program to any Grade 12 student looking to pursue great things in life.”
As part of her application for the scholarship, Cline had to produce a one minute video highlighting her strengths and future focus.
She plans to start Selkirk College in the fall in the rural pre-medicine program with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist or primary care practitioner. After completing the Selkirk College program, she plans to attend the University of British Columbia.
“I hope to focus in on helping youth cope with their mental health without just relying on a medical-based plan,” said Cline on the video.
As a young woman who has overcome many challenges, Cline says she has placed a high value on earning money towards her education by working two after-school jobs.
She was also active on the SHSS student council and grad executive committee.
Across the province, 116 Grade 12 students, 10 refugee and immigrant students and 20 single parents received scholarships this year through Ryan Beedie and his foundation. The program was originally launched in 2018 with a $50-million donation from Beedie that coincided with his 50th birthday.
In the last few years several SHSS grads have recieved the prestigious scholarships — Angel-Muskaan Uppal in 2022 and Janaeya Baher in 2021.
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Neil Muth Memorial Scholarship
Cline is also a recipient of the Neil Muth Memorial Scholarship, on behalf of the Muth family and Columbia Basin Trust.
Five students from across the Kootenays who have overcome personal adversities in their lives will be sharing the $10,000 award.
“Receiving the Neil Muth award is so incredible to my family and my studies,” said Cline. “I’m so excited to take Columbia Basin Trust through my education journey!”
“As a student who works very hard and believes in earning money toward my education, I can confidently say this is a massive weight off my shoulders. I want to do incredible things in life, so getting jump-starts like these are so important and are appreciated by all.”
betsy.kline@castlegarnews.com
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