Okanagan College Media Release

Two Pen-Hi graduates who have enrolled at Okanagan College this fall will have an easier time financing their education thanks to the generosity of Rick and Yasmin Thorpe. 

Jayme Braithwaite and Kaley Wells have each received the $2,500 Rick and Yasmin Thorpe and Friends Scholarship, which supports students from the former MLA’s riding and is based on a combination of financial need, academic standing, leadership potential and demonstration of contribution to their community.

Braithwaite is enrolled in Okanagan College’s Bachelor of Business Administration degree program at the Penticton campus and plans on using her education to realize her goal of becoming an accountant.

“Going on to further education is expensive,” said Braithwaite. “Receiving this scholarship is really helpful and I am very appreciative. It was great to get to meet the Thorpe’s in person because they are such nice people.”

Wells will attend Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus this fall where she’ll pursue an Associate of Arts degree. Fluent in both English and French, Wells plans on earning a Bachelor of Education degree and using her skills to teach abroad.

“I chose to go to the College because of the personal attention you get there,” explained Wells. “They offer a program that is just as good as any program at a university and it just made financial sense for me.

“I am honoured to by recognized by the Thorpe’s with this scholarship and I respect them so much for all they do in the community.”

Braithwaite and Wells both demonstrate excellence in leadership -- both graduates worked on Pen Hi’s Relay for Life program. Braithwaite also lent her skills and energy to the 10,000 Tonight Campaign, a canned food drive in Penticton.

Wells was co-chair of events for Relay for Life in addition to being a Penticton Princess, where she is an ambassador for youth.

"Rick and I are so pleased to be able to assist these two very deserving young women," said Yasmin John-Thorpe. “It gives us a great deal of satisfaction to know we are supporting local young students who are choosing to pursue their dreams and studies here in the Okanagan.”

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