Jake Bird is going to college. In a couple of years, that is.
The 15-year-old Langford resident and Edward Milne Community School student, presented last week with a national CIBC Youthvision Scholarship worth up to $38,000, said it meant everything to him and his grandmother Marilyn Smith, who admitted they wouldnB次元官网网址檛 have been able to otherwise afford post-secondary education.
B次元官网网址淚t gives me some peace of mind that he can go on and get university training and will be able to function and have a good job,B次元官网网址� Smith said. B次元官网网址淎s a pensioner I couldnB次元官网网址檛 afford to send him, so this is a phenomenal thing to happen.B次元官网网址�
She was unsure whether her autistic grandson, who she has cared for since he was two, would qualify for the scholarship program. When she heard the news Jake was one of 33 recipients chosen from across Canada, she was ecstatic.
B次元官网网址淲hen we submitted the application we thought, B次元官网网址榯hey can say yes or no.B次元官网网址� When we got the phone call I was awestruck because it meant so many things to us,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淎utism is considered a disability. That he has this equal chance as the other ones who have the B plus and A averages, this is a dream.B次元官网网址�
Jake hopes to one day become a chef. Having just finished Grade 10, he has two years to choose between Camosun and UVic, which both have culinary arts programs.
Melissa Hill, general manager of Central Victoria CIBC branches, said she was proud to see three well-deserving Island residents secure the scholarships. The others are Esquimalt High student Henry Sexsmith of Victoria and StellyB次元官网网址檚 student Mikayla Milne of Sidney.
B次元官网网址淚t is fantastic,B次元官网网址� Hill said. B次元官网网址淚t helps youth in need who wouldnB次元官网网址檛 otherwise be able to go onto post-secondary education. With the scholarship, (these) three people will (have) a great opportunity to fulfill their dreams.B次元官网网址�
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and the YMCA were partners in the scholarship program. The money comes from a $4,000 annual contribution to tuition for four years and six summer internships through the YMCA. The winners will receive ongoing mentorship throughout their post-secondary education.
alim@vicnews.com
