Chemainus Secondary student receives scholarship valued at up to $40,000

A Chemainus Secondary School 2022 graduate is among the recipients of a Beedie Luminaries scholarship valued at up to $40,000.

Sam Phelps learned of her award about a month ago and the full list of the 140 Grade 12 students and 17 single parents in B.C. receiving scholarships has just been made public.

“It’s a newer scholarship,” Phelps explained. “They believe a financial situation shouldn’t affect how far your career goes.”

Phelps heard about the scholarships through a friend, Christina Godbolt, and decided to apply. Applicants’ financial records are taken into account and why they thought they were deserving of the award.

“I didn’t expect to be picked out of it,” said Phelps. “It was an amazing opportunity and offer for them to do that for me.”

The scholarships recognize promising B.C. students who have faced life challenges and adversity with determination and resilience. For many, it makes the difference between receiving post-secondary training or not.

Beedie Luminaries launched on November 13, 2018, with a $50-million donation from Ryan Beedie that coincided with his 50th birthday. To date, the program has awarded 487 scholarships to students across the province.

This year’s total marks the largest number of scholarships Beedie Luminaries has awarded at once since it was established.

“Year after year, I am amazed and inspired by the sheer number of bright, driven and highly engaged students who apply to the Beedie Luminaries program and the promise that they show,” said Beedie. “I am elated to be able to extend our support to more students than ever before so that even more talented British Columbians can pursue higher education and reach their full potential.”

It’s not all dependent on students attending university, as some recipients will be going to a trade school or receiving vocational training.

In addition to the financial assistance, recipients are paired with mentors and offered paid work opportunities, Stay on Track student support, invitations to special events and access to the Beedie Luminaries online community.

Beedie Luminaries also provides scholarships, through its Single Parent Awards for Resilience and Knowledge (SPARK) program, to single parents in B.C. who want to pursue further education.

After graduation, Phelps said she will be attending Vancouver Island University for a year and then hopefully go to the University of Victoria after that. “They have a really good science program there,” she pointed out.

Phelps will be studying toward a Bachelor of Science degree, with her expertise falling in chemistry and biology. She’s also interested in psychology, but isn’t sure yet how that might factor into her studies.

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