Fort McMurray, September 1, 2018 – Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta is very pleased to announce the winners of its Women of Inspiration Education Scholarships, sponsored by Syncrude. Kennedy Dirk, Vaishvi Patel and Maria Golosky will each receive a $3,000 scholarship to be used towards their post-secondary education. These young ladies each submitted strong essays outlining career objectives and aspirations.

Kennedy Dirk

Kennedy, awarded the Barb Jewers Memorial Scholarship, is currently studying kinesiology at Western University. She plans to transfer to the University of Alberta (UofA) next year to study medicine on her way to becoming a doctor. Her goal is to work in the field of geriatric medicine in Fort McMurray, specializing in female and Indigenous health. Kennedy has a long history of volunteering including with the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre and the Edmonton Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital as well as the Alzheimer Society in Ontario and participating in a volunteer health care mission to Cape Town, South Africa.

Update: “Currently I am still volunteering with the Alzeheimer’s Society in London, the Western Orientation Program, Working as a Research Assistant for Translating Care in Elderly Research with the U of A, am conducting my thesis experiement, am participating in 4 intramurals, and have just recently got my Senior Fitness Instructor certification! As for my goals I am still waiting to hear back from the grad schools I have applied to, but am looking to maintain a high GPA and get my thesis presentation published.”“Receiving the Barb Jewers Memorial Scholarship from Girls Inc. has been of great meaning to me being able to honor a woman of inspiration from my community. Receiving this award has left me with gratitude, empowerment and pride being able to represent such a strong woman, organization, and community. This scholarship has helped me immensely in school and allowed me to focus on my education with reduced financial stress.”

Maria Golosky

Enrolled in the BSC Engineering program at the UofA, Maria was awarded the Elsie Yanik Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a qualifying applicant with First Nations or Metis ancestry. Yet to choose which faculty of engineering she would like to pursue, Maria chose engineering with the goal of eventually being able to lessen the large footprint humankind leaves behind on our Earth. Her dream is to work within Indigenous communities to aid with water quality and land reservation. Maria has volunteered at such community events as the Relay for Life and the FMFD annual pancake breakfast. Last year, she attended the Indspire Awards where she had the opportunity to interact with other Indigenous students and Elders from across Canada.

Update: “Not only am I honoured to be a recipient based off the amazing women that were previous recipients but it has also been a great helping in ensuring that I can pay my tuition, fees and residence payments without an abundance of stress.” “As for my goals for this semester I am currently trying to decide on a branch of engineering and so I would like to do a little research on all my options before making a decision.”

Vaishvi Patel

Currently working towards her Bachelors of Science with Honors Physiology at the UofA, Vaishvi has been presented with the Ann Dort-MacLean Scholarship. Her goal is to apply to medical school and ultimately practice as an obstetrician/gynecologist while continuing her research in preventative medicine. While she has been involved in the Mommy and Baby Project in Fort McMurray, Vaishvi is also involved with the UofA Ambassador Program and is a member of the ArtsForYoungSTARS executive team. She also volunteers as a mentor at the university. Closer to home, Vaishvi has been involved with the YMCA Fort McMurray as a youth co-ordinator and camp counsellor and a pharmacy assistant at a
local pharmacy.

Update: “I am deeply honored to have received this award and will try my best to live up to the tremendous work carried out by Ann Dort-MacLean. This award is a huge motivator for me, inspiring to continue with my academics and volunteer work.” “I am currently in my third year of a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Alberta. Academically, I am aspiring to finish my studies at the university and apply to medical school after graduation. This year I am continuing to volunteer with the groups and programs I have worked with in the past. As a UAlberta ambassador I lead campus and residence tours for guests and prospective students. Through this program I also get an opportunity to host and volunteer at many university events such as Open House, Alumni weekends and formal dinners and even at outside of university such as at the Boyle Street Soup Kitchen. As an executive member of ArtForYoungSTARS I help with the planning, scheduling, recruitment of volunteers, hosting meetings and events, and ensuring that the student group is running smoothly and fulfilling it’s goals. I am also a residence mentor at St. Joseph’s College where I provide support and guidance to first year mentees and advocate for mental health awareness around residence and on campus. My goal this year is to strive for excellence in my studies and continue volunteering and making positive contributions to my local community.”

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude wish Kennedy, Vaishvi and Maria all the best.