Okanagan College Media Release
Oct. 10, 2007

Steve Tuck, Yasmin John-Thorpe, Kimberley Turner, Jesse Emmond and Minister Rick Thorpe

Two Mount Boucherie Senior Secondary graduates, who now attend Okanagan College, will have an easier time covering the cost of pursuing their education after receiving $2,500 as recipients of the 2007 Rick and Yasmin Thorpe & Friends Scholarship Fund.

Yasmin and Rick Thorpe, the Okanagan-Westside MLA, presented cheques to the students at their former Secondary school on Friday.

Kimberley Turner, one of the recipients who is enroled in Okanagan College’s Bachelor of Business Administration degree program, says the help couldn’t have come at a better time.

“I just want to thank the Thorpes so much,” says Turner. “This scholarship is amazing – it gives me a great opportunity to get my education.”

Jesse Emmond, who also received $2,500, had the confidence to apply for the financial award after being selected as the second place winner in Yasmin John-Thorpe’s Young Writers of the Okanagan contest.

“I was inspired by Yasmin’s writing contest,” says Emmond. “My second-place finish inspired me to press on toward my education. I am very thankful and grateful for this help.”

Emmond is pursuing an Associate Degree of Arts at the College and plans on earning a law degree in the future.

The Rick and Yasmin Thorpe & Friends Scholarship Fund was established to support students from the west side of Okanagan Lake from Penticton to Killiney Beach who enrol at Okanagan College in a range of studies including: business, viticulture, agriculture, engineering, tourism, trades, technologies, English or Creative Writing.

Recipients are selected based on a combination of financial need, academic standing, leadership potential and demonstration of contribution to their community.

“Yasmin and I are very pleased to present these awards to two outstanding recipients,” says Thorpe. “This is about giving back to our students – our future – and we wish Jesse and Kimberly all the very best.”

“Both Kimberley and Jesse are very deserving recipients,” says Steven Tuck, President of the Okanagan College Foundation. “This is a wonderful award that recognizes local students’ personal and educational achievements while fuelling their future potential.”