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For Lucas Weigert, receiving awards was the moment he knew he had made the right choice to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.

Weigert, a second year Associate of Science student, was a student speaker at AV����’s (OC) Kelowna Awards Celebration November 21. The event was one of three held in November that saw more than $550,000 distributed to OC students across the region.

Weigert is completing his first two years of his undergraduate degree at OC before pursuing medical school.

“When you’re constantly studying you can have moments of self-doubt and wonder if you’re on the right path,” he told an audience of nearly 200 community members and students.

“For me, this is why awards mean so much. When I learned that I received the Pushor Mitchell LLP Award and the Maebritte and Ron Jeffels Scholarship, suddenly everything clicked. To have other people that I’ve never even met recognize and reward my hard work made me feel like I was on the right path,” Weigert said.

Helen Jackman, executive director of the AV���� Foundation, says the awards brought the holiday spirit to students at a time when they need it most.

“We know many students have limited budgets so receiving an award makes a tremendous impact on their finances, helping them pay for school and other household costs, including groceries and rent,” she said.

Jackman added that every award has an inspiring story behind it, from recognizing a loved one’s legacy to investing in the leaders of tomorrow.

For example, Highstreet Ventures CEO Scott Butler was in attendance to deliver five full ride bursaries for students entering a trades program.

Highstreet, which builds Carbon-free Homes, set up the award fund with the goal of shifting perspectives on what it means to enter the skilled trades, especially for high school students and their parents.  The awards create pride and offer an incentive to explore the many career opportunities available in the industry.

Lucy Turri, together with her brother John Anderlic, established the David Anderlic Memorial Bursary in memory of their brother, an OC School of Business alum who passed away in 2020. This year marks the first time the award was presented, supporting two students in the Human Service Work Diploma program.

“Community support means so much to students and our college,” said Jackman.

“The students here tonight feel recognized, valued and supported. We’d like to thank everyone who is helping make students’ goals and dreams possible.”