Wider Horizons

Ashcroft Scholarship winner receives life-changing gift

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Tyler Dow was announced as the winner of the inaugural Ashcroft: Giving Back scholarship contest, presented by Lethbridge College, at a celebration in October. The scholarship comes with up to $10,000 to support his education, which will start in January when he begins working towards a Digital Communications and Media diploma.

“Winning the Ashcroft contest is the opportunity I need to restart my life and start realizing my dreams,” says Dow. He dropped out of high school at 16 after spending his childhood constantly moving around. He says a battle with depression caused him to quit school and enter the workforce at a young age. “Before I entered the contest, I knew that I needed to make a drastic and positive change, as the life I was living was not going to get me anywhere,” he continues. “I knew I had the ambition to go far if I just applied myself. I have had the dream of being a photojournalist for many years, and I knew if I had the opportunity to right the many wrongs of my life, I could realize that dream and reach my fullest potential.”

The Ashcroft: Giving Back scholarship contest is the latest phase of a multi-faceted partnership between Ashcroft Master Builder and the college. The contest was open to anyone, with a focus on giving the gift of education to someone who would otherwise not be able to pursue it. “We wanted to give back in a way that actually changes lives,” says Dave Bodell, sales manager. “Tyler was the exact sort of person that we wanted to help. He has drive, ambition and talent, but had barriers in the way of pursuing his education. We hope we have removed those barriers, and we are so excited to see where he goes from here.”

Annual golf tournament a soaring success

The 35th annual Lethbridge College Golf Tournament enjoyed sunshine, good times and a full slate of golfers in August. The event, with the support of presenting sponsor, Galko Homes Master Builder, master sponsors D.A. Electric Ltd. and the Ensuite Bath and Kitchen Showroom, and many other sponsors and supporters from the community, is the city’s longest-running charity golf tournament. Kodiaks student-athletes and coaches served as tremendous ambassadors for our institution. At the end of the day, the golfers raised more than $35,000 for Kodiaks student awards.

A sparkling celebration

November’s Clayton Allan Wine Auction proved to be another success, with generous guests contributing $171,000 to support the college’s culinary facilities and programming. This project will ensure that this vital college program will continue to support the current demands of the industry, to meet the needs of the future and to explore applied research innovations. Thanks to the 247 guests, 167 sponsors, 70 volunteers, 40 LEO Club members who provided safe rides home, 12 Culinary team members as well as the students and staff members who all played a part in making this such a memorable event.

Wider Horizons
By Lisa Kozleski, Editor
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