May 27, 2009 - 7:21am
Emily Tranfield’s university career has just become a lot less stressful.
The 18-year-old Ucluelet secondary school senior says she won’t have to worry about paying for her books, residency or transportation for the next four years after earning a $40,000 scholarship.
“It will take an incredible amount of weight off my shoulders,” said Emily, who will begin her post-secondary education at Nanaimo’s Vancouver Island University this September.
On Saturday, Emily became the first local student to receive the scholarship – $10,000 a year for four years – administered by the Pacific Rim Foundation.
An anonymous West Coast resident has donated the money. The foundation is dedicated to supporting local students.
Attending the ceremony and luncheon at the Long Beach Golf Course were more than 40 people, including local teachers and Tofino’s Mayor John Fraser.
Also winning $250 bursaries were Zachary Anderson, Alana Arentsen, Malcolm Drake, Cassandra Martin, Laura Timmermans, Daniel Vedova, Spencer Wilson and Eder Yabut.
Emily thanked her family and teachers for their support.
Rosemary Tranfield, Emily’s mother, wiped tears from her eyes as she watched her daughter receive the scholarship.
Rosemary said her daughter won’t have to take a job during her university education and can focus on her studies.
“And for us as a family that is so huge,” said Rosemary. “That is such a blessing.”
Rosemary called the scholarship phenomenal and thanked the donor’s generosity.
Emily Tranfield said she plans to complete an undergraduate degree in science – with a major in biology and a minor in physical education.
After completing her degree, Emily said she hopes to pursue a career as a teacher or a doctor.
“I want to make a difference,” said Tranfield who grew up in Tofino, completing Kindergarten to Grade 7 at Wickaninnish Community School and her high school education at USS.
Gary Marks, foundation president, thanked the students for their hard work.
“You have made of your young lives a statement of commitment to your community and ultimately to the world,” he said.
“It is you by your deeds which might heal the wounds caused by strife and ignorance. It is you who might design technologies to serve humanity. It is you who may discover cures and remedies for diseases and maladies and conflicts that haunt humanity.”
Marks said nine very worthy candidates applied for the scholarship.
“This foundation is moving forward forever locally and as we get more donations into the foundation we can expand the range of scholarships that we offer,” added Fraser who is also a director of the foundation.
“We’re open to anybody that wants to contribute.”
-by Kevin Drews (originally published in the Westcoaster - www.westcoaster.ca)
Tags: In the Community
