Scholarship recipients say thanks for support
Each year, the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (OHTF) announces a number of scholarships, bursaries and awards for high school and post secondary students. In 2007, $32,000 was distributed to students attending college or university, and studying for a diploma or degree in horticulture. In addition, for the first time, scholarships for new high school graduates were awarded. Six students received a $1,000 scholarships.
The recipients were acknowledged at the 2008 Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence ceremony held in January during Congress.
Many students send thank you notes expressing their appreciation of the scholarship — here are some of the comments:
High school graduates
Kristie DeHeer (now attending St. Clair College): “Thank you. Because of your generosity I am able to pursue my dream with less financial hardship.”
From students now attending the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture:
Kyle Post – “Greatly appreciated, used for tuition, thank you.”
Andrew Hutten – “Thank you, I won’t forget that part of my education belongs to you.”
Dan VanGeest – “Thank you, the funds will allow me to further my studies here at the School of Horticulture and also provided me with equipment for studies at school and after school jobs.”
Nicholas Lomas – “My appreciation and thanks for the generous donation you have supplied towards my education. Funds will go toward books and tuition to keep me consistently and constantly learning.”
Post secondary scholarships
Amy Doan – “My deep gratitude for awarding me this scholarship. This scholarship helped me to fund my third year study tour, where I travelled with classmates to England, Holland and France.”
Matt Robinson – “Thank you for the scholarship and for supporting students enrolled in horticulture programs throughout Ontario.”
Sue Pfeiffer – “I feel honoured to be recognized for the hard work I put into my studies and receiving this award motivates me to continue to strive for excellence.”
April Krikke – “Receiving this award has enabled me to achieve my educational goals. Your generous support truly makes a difference.”
Justin Free – “I appreciate the generosity and encouragement in my final year of horticulture studies. I admire the dedicated efforts of the Foundation to enhance the dynamics of the ornamental horticultural sector in our province, including supporting and nurturing students such as myself.”
Casey van Maris Scholarship
Christine van den Bogerd: “Your generosity plays a vital role in the education of future horticulturalists. Support and scholarships offer great encouragement and inspiration to many aspiring horticulturalists, and has an immeasurable influence on the future of the horticulture trade.”
Support future students
The purpose of the OHTF is to ensure a healthy future for the horticultural industry through financial support of research and scholarships. If you would like to support the scholarship and/or research programs, please contact Kathleen Pugliese at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 309 for further information. Cards are available for direct donations, or those made as a memorial gift. All donations are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
Caption: Scholarship recipients are presented with a certificate each year during the LO Awards of Excellence Ceremony held in January.