For the past 5 years, the Sandra Schmirler Foundation has awarded $5,000 scholarships to 6 deserving junior curlers. Winners have included Brooks Roche (2015) and Veronica Smith (2014) from PEI.
The Spirit of Sandra Junior Curling Scholarship is intended for young athletes who curl competitively while pursuing a post-secondary education. Recipients must be 20 years of age or under as of June 30, 2018 and therefore eligible to compete as a junior curler.
In addition to financial support provided by these curling scholarships, successful applicants are mentored by champion curlers Pat Simmons and Cathy Overton-Clapham, who volunteer their time to help these young curlers throughout the season. The scholars get together with Pat and Cathy in the summer to discuss their goals and dreams, meet an Olympic champion or two and get to know one another.
The 2018 Spirit of Sandra Scholarship application information is now available on the Foundations’s website at: http://www.sandraschmirler.org/english/spirit-of-sandra/
Application deadline for 2018 is midnight (Eastern Time) May 10, 2018. Successful applicants will be notified no later than June 15, 2018.
This year’s scholars have continued to excel both with their curling and their studies. They hail from 5 different provinces (BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Newfoundland & Labrador) and have become good friends across the miles. Every month they share their experiences curling and studying, always encouraging one another and celebrating each other’s individual success.
2017 Scholars at summer camp in Winnipeg
Kyle, Hayden, Megan, Emily, Derek & Karsten
“The Sandra Schmirler Foundation has not only allowed me to pursue my academic and curling careers but has also provided the amazing opportunity to bring my curling community closer together in support of an amazing cause. I will always treasure the connections and memories I have made with the Sandra Schmirler Foundation as they have changed my life for the better!”
Megan Daniels – Delta, BC
“It is so rewarding to give back to the Foundation by organizing a fundraiser. To be part of more than just a Foundation – a legacy – is like standing on the shoulders of giants.”
Derek Leung – Toronto, ON
“The feeling of being named a Spirit of Sandra Scholar is absolutely amazing. This scholarship has given me opportunities, friendships and memories that will last a life time. Cathy and Pat have been incredible and have been great mentors, friends, and people who we, as scholars, aspire to be like one day. This scholarship has introduced me to a family who ensures that the legacy of Sandra will live on forever and that babies, too sick or too small, have a chance to grow up to be a Champion like Sandra was.”
Kyle Barron – Stephenville, NL
“Being a Spirit of Sandra Scholar was such an honour and a privilege as I was able to be a part of an organization that saves so many babies lives across Canada. As a student and curler, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday pressures. Being a part of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation allowed me to slow down and reflect on the value of helping others, and the fulfilling feeling of making a small difference in saving a life.
Emily Plett – Carstairs, AB
“Born premature myself, it has been a wonderful learning experience for me to see just how much goes into supporting babies born too soon or too small. I have made many lifelong friendships because of the Spirit of Sandra Scholarship. It’s an honour to be a part of such a great Foundation.”
Hayden Forrester – Winnipeg, MB
“The most significant thing I take away from my experience as a Spirit of Sandra Scholar is inspiration. My time spent with the Foundation has left me with a genuine desire to continue doing my part in ensuring the legacy of Sandra lives on, and a deep-seated faith that it will.”
Karsten Sturmay – Leduc, AB
Megan, Derek, Kyle, Emily, Hayden and Karsten. They are our 2017 Scholars and our future leaders. Spirit of Sandra Scholars develop life skills that are needed to succeed now and in the future.
Each year, the scholars volunteer to organize a fundraising event with the proceeds going to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. In May, the scholars will review a number of grant requests for life-saving equipment from hospitals across Canada. Together, they will choose the recipient of this grant and nominate one of their group to phone the Development Officer at that Foundation to inform them that they have been chosen as the grant recipient by the Spirit of Sandra Scholars.