Okanagan College Media Release

With a busy two-and-a-half-year-old at home, another baby on the way, and the responsibility of maintaining two households, full-time Okanagan College student Joel Dyck was relieved, surprised and grateful to learn he is one of 25 students across Canada who will receive the Garfield Weston Upper Year Award.

Dyck received the news after spending the weekend in Toronto where he went through a rigorous interview process with representatives of the Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation, which administers the program on behalf of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation.

“I am so thankful to receive this award,” said Dyck. “Everyone who attended the interviews was so deserving that it really is an honour.”

The 34-year-old was handpicked for the award from more than 700 applicants. The scholarship is one of Canada’s most prestigious financial awards. Recipients benefit from an $8,000 scholarship, have their tuition paid by their post-secondary institution, receive $4,000 to cover expenses incurred during the previous year and are eligible for $3,500 in summer funding to pursue opportunities to integrate academic learning, develop skills and expand their horizons.

Dyck was selected for the award based on his application and successful interviews, where he was able to demonstrate excellence in academic achievement coupled with an impressive record of volunteerism and community service.

Dyck is partway through Okanagan College’s Trades Technology Teacher Education (TTTE) program in Kelowna. He spends the week in Kelowna attending classes and commutes home to Kamloops on the weekends to be with his family. He sits on several planning committees in Kamloops, including the BC Sustainable Energy Association and the 10th year anniversary celebration committee for the Grasslands Conservation Council. He also takes time to share his growing knowledge of trades and technologies with young students that he mentors in Kelowna and Kamloops.

After teaching English as a Second Language abroad and working with children with disabilities Dyck knew that education was the field for him. He enrolled in Okanagan College’s fledgling TTTE program with the aim of preparing himself for a dynamic career where he can foster his creativity, work with his hands, and influence the lives of young people.

“I have been an educator in some form or another since I graduated from high school,” said Dyck. “The skills I am learning in my program will allow me to help kids build their confidence and hopefully I can be a positive influence in their lives.

“I would like to thank my family for their support, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation for investing in me, Cheryl Brabandt, Sandi Gould and Nancy Ankerstein at Okanagan College for all of their support and I would also like to thank my classmates - I'm very fortunate to go to school with such a great group of people.”

For more information about the Garfield Weston Award visit the web site at: www.garfieldwestonawards.ca.