A local graduate has received a major boost in pursuing her education with a $25,000 scholarship from the University of Alberta. Jennifer Taylor, who graduated this spring from William E. Hay Composite High School, will receive the funds over four years to support her studies at the school’s Augustana Campus in Camrose.
Taylor, 18, who is studying pre-pharmacy, said the news was “fantastic,” and an honour, particularly for a small-town graduate.
“To get that kind of recognition at a big university is just amazing,” said Taylor, the daughter of James and Pam Taylor of Stettler.
The President’s Entrance Citation Scholarship, valued at $25,000 over four years, is one of the university’s top scholarships and is offered to students who have attained an average grade of 95 per cent throughout high school.
While Taylor received word of the scholarship back in May, she and other recipients were recognized on Sept. 25 at the school’s annual Celebrate! Teaching, Learning and Research ceremony at the Myer Horowitz Theatre.
Taylor said she expects to spend one year in pre-pharmacy in Camrose, continuing with the remainder of her studies at the school’s North campus in Edmonton.
“I have a little bit of an intense workload, so I’m getting used to that, for sure,” she said.
Taylor must maintain a 3.7 grade point average to receive the entirety of the scholarship funds. She said that only 140 students were accepted into the school’s pharmacy program last year, but she is undaunted, noting, “I don’t mind a challenge.”
She credited the teachers at William E. Hay with encouraging her in her studies and helping her to achieve success.
“It’s a blessing to be able to go to Stettler’s schools,” she said. “It’s really special.”