In total, the Winkler Community Foundation received 25 applications for the $20,000 Gordon Wiebe ‘Make It A Reality’ scholarship.

"Some have lived in refugee camps. Some have immigrated with their families. Some have been born and raised right here in Winkler, and all have devoted their time to serving others to the betterment of our community," said committee member, Cory Hildebrand.

Rising to the top, Tyler Froese was named the 2018 recipient, and is the first member of his family to be attending post-secondary.

The committee was impressed with Froese’s "commitment to serving, resilience in navigating barriers, leadership, and drive," through his volunteering with church and coaching sports. He has also worked through a speech impediment in the face of past bullying, and health concerns in his family.

Froese understands the impact of health care services first hand, as he also volunteers time at the Boundary Trails Health Centre, and supplements this with part-time work at Salem Home as a health care aide. Already having completed five courses through Northlands Parkway Collegiate, he plans to begin his pre-nursing courses at the University of Winnipeg.

For the summer Froese will already be jumping into related work as the Camp Medical Officer for Winkler Bible Camp. "I thought it was just another great experience for getting ready for health care," he said.

"I just can’t thank you enough for how much this means to me," said Froese.

Last years recipient, Bailey Neufeld, has just completed his first year of University and was also in attendance. Although initially planning to study psychology, he changed his plans during the school year and is studying in the health care field.

Karina Cardona Claros, another committee member, said that she often had to plan her courses and work strategically while she was in University so that she could keep up her academic performance. "If our awards allow students to strategize better to stay in school, that’s something we’re really working to support," she said.

This year the committee will be giving away 29 scholarship awards that total $75,000, and the remainder will be announced in August 2018. These include past recipients who are still receiving funds, as well as new students.

WCF board members made the presentation on Thursday.