Cornwall’s Lauren Lenentine is one of this year’s “SPIRIT OF SANDRA” scholarship winners. Previous winners have included Brooks Roche (2015) from Montague, and Veronica Smith (2014) from Cornwall.For the sixth consecutive year, the Sandra Schmirler Foundation has awarded six $5,000 scholarships to junior curlers pursuing their competitive curling dreams while continuing their post-secondary education. Scholars will be mentored by well-known champion curlers, Cathy Overton-Clapham and Pat Simmons.
“The selection process for this scholarship is rigorous and competitive. Each of our scholars excels both athletically and academically. And, they are all engaged with their communities and committed to giving back to curling and keeping Sandra’s legacy alive”, said Cathy.
“We are looking forward to sharing information and experiences as well as providing guidance, motivation, and support to these talented young athletes as they aspire to realize their own dreams”, added Pat.
As part of their scholarship, each of the new scholars will organize a fundraising event in their own community. At the end of curling season, the scholars will award a $10,000 grant to a hospital of their choice for the purchase of life-saving equipment to help save babies lives.
“This scholarship gave me opportunities, friendships and memories that will last a life time. Although my time as a scholar is over, I have been introduced to a family who ensures that the legacy of Sandra will live on forever and that babies, too sick or too small, can grow up to be champions like Sandra.”
Kyle Barron, 2-time Scholar, Stephenville, NL
INTRODUCING OUR 2018-2019 SPIRIT OF SANDRA SCHOLARS
ALEXA DIXON (Saskatchewan)Alexa is in the Faculty of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan. She is a volunteer at a Veterinary Clinic and is working towards a degree in Animal Bioscience. Alexa started curling at the North Hill Curling Club when she was 7. She has been an instructor at Learn to Curl programs in Calgary and Saskatoon and is looking forward to inspiring the next generation of curlers.
EMILY PLETT (Alberta)
Emily is in the Education Faculty at the University of Alberta in Edmonton studying to become a teacher. She is a repeat winner of this scholarship. “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 has 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.”
MEGAN SMITH (Ontario) Megan is studying for her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Biology at the Laurentian University and aspires to be a pediatrician. Her University team were Academic All Canadian in 2017/2018, as well as USport Canadian Champions in 2017. The team competed in China at the International Curling Elite Championship this past year. Megan has made a remarkable recovery from a very serious car accident.
LAUREN LENENTINE (Prince Edward Island) Lauren is studying Science at Dalhousie University and plans to become a physiotherapist. This past year she was alternate for Team Canada at the World Junior Curling Championships in Scotland where Canada were gold medalists. Lauren is a 9-time PEI provincial champion and was runner-up at the 2018 PEI Scotties Provincial Tournament of Hearts. She also excels in softball and is a Rose Bowl Step champion.
SELENA STURMAY (Alberta) Selena is studying for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Alberta to become a pediatric nurse. In 2016, Selena skipped her team at the 2016 Canadian Junior Women’s Championship. In 2018, she was USport Champion and Alberta Mixed Doubles Champion playing with her brother Karsten, who is a 2-time Spirit of Sandra Scholar. Together they will be representing Canada at the 2019 Winter Universiade in Russia.
SARA HOAG (Saskatchewan) Sara returns as a Spirit of Sandra Scholar from 2016-2017. She is currently pursuing a degree in Education at the University of Regina but plans to continue in Graduate Studies to become a lawyer. Sarah has competed at the USport Nationals and was U18 Saskatchewan Champion in 2017. “Curling is my life. I love volunteering, learning and travelling.”