Awards

Teachers, students, and community members take considerable pride in the success of our students, through their achievements, individually or as part of a team. We seek out opportunities to recognize students who have done well in one or more of the following areas: academics, athletics, citizenship, leadership, and the arts. We invite students and parents to assist us in creating an environment where all students are recognized for their accomplishments.

Students can apply for various awards by completing the online applications below. These awards will be presented at the annual Awards Night on June 8, 2023 at 7:00 pm in the Theatre.

Note: Returning Grade 12 students will not be eligible for any awards.

If students or parents have any questions regarding award applications, please contact Mrs. Barwacz Riou.

Important Application Dates and Deadlines

March 6, 2023 Career-Specific Scholarship Applications Open
March 27, 2023 Career-Specific Scholarship Applications Close

______________________________________________________________________

March 28, 2023 Citizenship Scholarships Open
April 17, 2023 Citizenship Scholarships Close

______________________________________________________________________

April 18, 2023 Leadership Scholarships Open
May 15, 2023 Leadership Scholarships Close

Career-Specific

If your post secondary plans are similar to this, be sure to apply. This first wave of scholarship applications opens on March 6th. If you are eligible for any of these scholarships, make sure you apply by clicking on the scholarship link below. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Barwacz Riou.

Claude Gauvin Foundation Scholarship	3 scholarships will be awarded to those students attending a trade school and pursuing a career in the construction industry
Edward and Hazel Risdon Scholarship	Awarded to a student who is planning on attending a post-secondary institution where their main focus of study will either be in the foods, fashion, fabrication, or construction industry.
SHS Agriculture Bursary	Awarded to a student who will be attending a post-secondary school to study for a career in the agricultural industry.
SHS Teachers of Tomorrow Scholarship	Awarded to a student pursuing an education degree in order to become a teacher.
Stella Jones Scholarship	Presented annually to a student who is pursuing education in forestry studies or a trade school program.
Strathmore Rural Firefighter’s Nathan Haase Memorial Scholarship	Presented to a student enrolled in a trades program at a post-secondary school.
Wilson Digital Media Scholarship	Presented to a grade 11 or 12 student who is pursuing a diploma or degree in journalism, communication studies, or public relations with the intention of working as a journalist. Preference will be given to students who have been accepted into a post-secondary institution, but those who have made significant contributions to the SHS Yearbook Club, communication studies, and/or related activities within the school or greater community will also be considered.

Citizenship Awards For All High School Students

Awarded to a student who has a positive attitude, participates in school activities (clubs, teams, etc.) during the current school year and is actively involved in volunteer opportunities within the school and community during the current school year.

This scholarship opens March 28th.

Grade 10 Town of Strathmore Citizenship Award

Grade 11 Gordon Prusky Citizenship Award

Grade 12 Gordon Prusky Citizenship Award

Leadership

Are you a leader or ambassador for your school? Are you involved in extracurricular activities in the school and/or the community? Do you have extraordinary accomplishments in one or more areas outside of academics? Then you need to apply to the following.

These scholarships will open April 18th.

ATA Award	Presented to a well rounded student that maintains a high academic average while participating in extracurricular activities that include both sports and school-based committees.
Keith Schneider Memorial Ambassador Award	Presented to a student who has participated in extracurricular activities during all three years of high school. This student has conducted themselves in a manner that has consistently brought honor to SHS because of their personal example and behaviour.
Strathmore Times Class Act Award	Presented to a student who has extraordinary accomplishments outside of academics and whose quality of character sets them apart or distinguishes them from their school and community.
Strathmore Lions Club Academic Achievement & School Community Leadership & Service Scholarship	Presented to a student who has demonstrated academic achievement and a strong dedication to community leadership and service.
Western Inspiration Award	Presented to a grade 12 student who has overcome adversity (mental/physical disability, financial hardship, family challenges, etc.) AND/OR demonstrated outstanding community/school spirit as an organizer, participant, and/or volunteer AND/OR demonstrated inspirational conduct (act of heroism or leadership in a crisis).
Western Inspiration for FNMI students	Presented to a grade 12 FNMI student who has overcome adversity (mental/physical disability, financial hardship, family challenges, etc.) AND/OR demonstrated outstanding community/school spirit as an organizer, participant, and/or volunteer AND/OR demonstrated inspirational conduct (act of heroism or leadership in a crisis).

SHS Scholarship Checklist

Please print the attached document (Scholarship Checklist) in order to keep yourself organized.

SHS Scholarship Checklist

Reference Letter Tips

The time of year is upon us when you may need to ask teachers and others for reference letters for scholarships, awards, jobs, or other purposes. Please note the tips below:

1. When asking for a reference letter, always allow at least 1 full week of time and include the due date in the reference request so the individual writing the request (referee) is aware of the timeline from the beginning.

2. Send only the information for the specific scholarships/jobs you are applying for to save the individual providing the reference time and effort. Send the referee the most specific information about what the award/job requirements are.

3. Always speak in person to the individual from whom you are requesting the reference. If there is no way to speak to the individual in person, be aware that people often don’t check work email after work hours. If you send an email on Tuesday evening, most people won't read it or reply until the next day. That means the scholarship deadline would have to be 7 days from Wednesday. If the request is not emailed until Friday night, it will not be read until Monday morning.

4. If you forget to ask for a reference with at least 1 week's notice, you should contact the award/job supervisor and let them know that this time of year is very busy for writing reference letters. Tell them the referee you’ve asked requires a few more days to complete the letter. Ask them if this is ok. That buys whomever you have asked a bit more time.

5. Remember that you need to ask someone who knows you well, often in more than one aspect of your life, to be a reference for you. Teachers who have taught you in more than one class, or who have taught you and been involved in co-curricular clubs or sports with you are often good choices. Always ask someone with whom you have a positive relationship.

In summary, remember that people you are asking to provide references are very busy. They need concise information, up front, with a clear timeline. It takes approximately 1-2 hours of uninterrupted time to write an effective, personalized reference letter.

FAQs

1. Do I need to use my GHSD email address to apply?

Yes, you are required to use your Golden Hills School Email address (firstname.lastname@ghsd75.ca). If you are having any issues with your GHSD account please see Mrs. Bailie in Student Services.