Students receive financial help at Yukon College Awards ceremony this week

WHITEHORSE–Covering the cost of tuition, textbooks, school supplies and living expenses will become a little easier for 44 Yukon College students this evening. They will receive financial awards and scholarships at the annual Yukon College Awards Ceremony.

The awards range from $150 to a full year of tuition. The College will hand out $51,732.00 at the event, which brings award donors together with the students who have earned them.

“Students are very grateful for this support. The evening is an opportunity for them to express their thanks to the people and businesses that created the award, and for the donors to learn a little about the students they are assisting,” said Andrea Fougere-Chou, Enrolment Management Advisor.

“Text books are very expensive for my program. I will now be able to buy all of my books,” said Felixberta Albeos, an Early Childhood Development diploma student. “I am so thankful. I feel very lucky to be selected.” 

Albeos, is receiving the Mary Ellen Whyard Bursary of $500. The award was established specifically for students in the Early Childhood Development program. Albeos settled in Yukon in 2007 from the Philippines with her husband and six children.

Alex Therriault, a graduate of J. V. Clark School in Mayo, was awarded an entrance scholarship and will receive the Yukon Outfitters Association Award of $500. The Northern Outdoor Environmental Studies student says the support is a huge help.

"I’ve always wanted to become a conservation officer or be involved in land management. The scholarship and award is a great boost towards that goal and really helps relieve the financial pressure of living and going to school away from home,” said Therriault.

The Yukon Outfitters Association (YOA) Award is made in memory of Peter Jensen, a big game outfitter who is remembered for his integrity and mentorship of younger outfitters. In his award application essay, Therriault highlighted his love of the outdoors and time spent camping, hiking, fishing and hunting with his family, as well as the importance of respecting the environment.

The awards are made possible through generous donations by individuals, groups and companies directly to the College or through the Yukon College Endowment with the Yukon Foundation. The College entrance scholarship program awards one academic year of tuition to a maximum of two grade 12 students from each of Yukon’s graduating classes.

The Student Awards ceremony takes place in the Kinnikinnick Kaff at Yukon College at 5 p.m. on Wednesday October 29 with a reception to follow.