The Birchbank Golf and Country Club awarded its annual scholarships to two very deserving Club members last week.
Club pro Dennis Bradley presented Jeff Horan, 18, and Ryan Dixon, 18, each with a $2,500 scholarship to continue their studies at the University of Alberta.
Horan and Dixon are Trail natives and long-time members at Birchbank, and both worked at the golf course over the summer, Horan as a back-shop worker, and Dixon, in various customer service positions.
“Anything you ask these two kids to do they’ve done, and they’ve just been outstanding juniors doing whatever it takes to improve service or the condition of the golf course,” said Bradley.
The scholarship is in its third year, and was bequeathed by long-time Rossland-Trail Country Club member Howie Fishwick, whose estate donated $100,000 to maintain the fund.
Horan is entering his second year at U of A in Civil Engineering and is thrilled with the award.
“I was hoping I would get it, so was really happy to see that happen,” said Horan. “It will definitely lighten the load in tuition, I mean this $2,500 really goes a long way in that regard.”
The scholarship considers applicants demonstrating dedication and drive in pursuing their post-secondary goals. Eligible recipients must be a junior member at the Birchbank Golf Course and enrolled in a post-secondary institution. In addition, the applicant must write a short essay and answer questions relevant to merit.
“We had about six applications, and they were all very deserving, but these two just did a little bit more,” said Bradley.
The scholarship is unique to Birchbank and, with the generous fund intact and managed by the LeRoi Foundation, will be a legacy for many years to come.