WAKAW — The end of a school year customarily brings announcements of awards and scholarships, and aside from those received from within the schools, two area graduates have received external scholarships and recognition.
Anika Elgersma from Wakaw has won one of the twelve $5,000 Conexus Youth Leadership Awards. Each student who applied for the award has ties to credit union membership through either Conexus, Cornerstone or Synergy Credit Unions, which are merging to become the new Conexus Credit Union.
Conexus awards these scholarships to Saskatchewan youth pursuing post-secondary education and who have demonstrated leadership in their communities. From co-leading her school’s student leadership team to supporting mental health initiatives and organizing community fundraisers, Anika has shown a genuine commitment to making a difference. Her involvement across academics, athletics, and the arts reflects both her versatility and her drive to give back. She brings forward ideas that strengthen inclusion and create opportunities for others. Her leadership is grounded in integrity, making her a strong example of the impact this award represents.
“Conexus Credit Union’s aim is to reduce financial barriers for these young leaders so they can focus on their studies and on achieving their goals and dreams,” explains Celina Philpot, Chief Executive Officer of Conexus Credit Union. “We also believe that by investing in you, we invest in Saskatchewan’s future.”
Another local graduate has also received recognition for his efforts. This year, RJC High School student Wyatt Baumann of Cudworth was awarded a Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Industry Scholarship to support his interest in entering the Truck and Transport Mechanic trade.
Each year, educators who manage the SYA program in their schools nominate exceptional students for the scholarship. These students have made significant progress toward building a career in the skilled trades and intend to pursue that career after graduation. When selecting scholarship recipients, the graduate’s accomplishments and commitment to a career in the skilled trades are taken into account. The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) has awarded Industry Scholarships to 110 high school students from 68 communities across the province.
Through the SYA program, which contains 12 ‘challenges’ for students to complete, high school students learn more about skilled trades career pathways, are introduced to apprenticeship and the certification process, and gain a head start on their skilled trades career. Furthermore, it creates an awareness of apprenticeship programs available in the province and job opportunities in the skilled trades. The program provides a strong foundation for securing and succeeding in an apprenticeship post-graduation.
Each scholarship is worth $1,000 and can be redeemed once students meet certain requirements. Specifically, students must, within two years of completing SYA, either register as apprentices in Saskatchewan and complete Level 1 technical training or complete a recognized pre-apprenticeship program in a designated trade in Saskatchewan. While apprenticeship is voluntary for the majority of Saskatchewan’s designated trades, it is mandatory for five trades: Construction Electrician, Plumber, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Sheet Metal Worker and Sprinkler Fitter.
There are currently more than 2,500 students registered in the SYA program. Nearly 40 percent of SYA graduates register as apprentices in Saskatchewan within five years of completing the program. Since the scholarship’s launch in 2009, more than 1,500 scholarships have been issued.
