Wheatland Wind Project awards two $2,000 scholarships to local students
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Wheatland Wind Project and Wheatland County have announced the 2024 recipients of the Wheatland Wind Community Benefit Post Secondary Scholarship, being Samantha Munro (17) and Karley Clark.
The two recipients have been selected as scholarship recipients in recognition of their academic achievements, community involvement, and their dedication to their respective studies.
“We are thrilled to recognize the hard work and dedication of Samantha Munro and Karley Clark with the 2024 Wheatland Wind Community Benefit Scholarship,” said Michèle Smith, vice president of business management at Potentia Renewables, with which the Wheatland Wind Project is directly affiliated. “At Potentia, we believe in investing in the future of our communities. These scholarships reflect our commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders in Wheatland County, and we look forward to seeing all that Samantha and Karley will accomplish.”
The scholarship is designed to recognize and reward high-achieving students who are intending to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Each scholarship provides a maximum of $2,000 annually, with a total $4,000 available to students.
Klark and Munro are each to receive the full $2,000 for their respective scholarships as they begin their studies, both being enrolled at the University of Calgary.
“I am hoping to be a physiotherapist or a chiropractor when I am older, and I want to stay local, so I was hoping maybe I could work back to Wheatland County and areas surrounding,” said Clark. “I have kind of always been interested in it; a couple of my family members are also in medical, and my one cousin is in the same program as me, and she really enjoys it, and I have always liked that kind of subject in school.”
Clark is currently enrolled to undertake a Bachelor of Science, with a focus in kinesiology through the University of Calgary.
Munro added she is enrolled to pursue a Bachelor of Environmental Sciences at the University of Calgary.
“I want to continue helping out with clubs (such as the Lions Club, local ringette teams, and the Ag Society) around my community of Rockyford,” said Munro. “My mom, my dad, and my whole family are very involved, so I will probably keep coaching young teams in ringette in the future once I am out of school again.”
The Wheatland Wind Community Benefit Scholarship is awarded on an annual basis to Wheatland County students. Applications for the 2025 scholarship are scheduled to open in May 2025. More information regarding the application process will be made available closer to the date of reopening.