Published July 09, 2021 12:49
Source https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/lance/Dakota-grad-lands-Ted-Rogers-Scholarship---574801731.html
The future looks bright for Peace Abajesude.
The 17-year-old St. Vital resident, who has just graduated from Dakota Collegiate, is one of 26 students from the Prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba to receive this year’s Ted Rogers Scholarship awarded by Rogers Communications.
According to a news release, the scholarships are awarded to students preparing to enter post-secondary education in recognition of their community leadership and volunteerism. The goal is to help them overcome financial barriers on this journey and achieve their highest potential.
Abajesude is set to receive a renewable $2,500 scholarship, with the potential for it to reach up to $10,000 over four years.
"It feels really good to receive the scholarship," Abajesude told The Lance recently. "I’m really happy."
The teen has volunteered with a number of organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg, Harvest Manitoba and Siloam Mission — to name a few. In Grade 11, he also refereed at soccer tournaments for children with disabilities as part of his athletic leadership class at Dakota.
Abajesude hopes to continue his education at the University of Manitoba, and eventually study in the faculty of kinesiology and recreation management and specialize in athletic therapy. He’s currently waiting on his letter of acceptance. He’s also applied to the Canadian Mennonite University.
It’s not too surprising that he’s pursuing a career in the recreation field, having represented the Dakota Lancers in both basketball and football.
He said while he will still have to partly fund his tuition fees, the scholarship will be invaluable in helping him pursue his hopes and dreams in the next four years.
"It will open a lot of doors for me, and now I don’t have to worry so much about making my tuition. It gives me a bit of a comfort zone, and helps takes the pressure off a bit," Abajesude said.
In terms of mentors in the last few years, Abajesude said he has many people to thank. Among them are his Lancers football coach Mitchell Harrison and Matthew Wheeler from the Boys and Girls Club: "Coach Harrison showed lots of belief in me and helped me a lot. And, Matthew really helped me develop my basketball game."
According to the release, nearly 75 per cent of the scholarship recipients nationally self-identify as members of equity-seeking groups including Black, Indigenous, people of colour, LGBTQ2S+, and young women.
"These scholars reflect a vibrant and diverse generation which will propel Canada forward with ideas and innovation, and power our growth and economy," the release states.