Parkland College awarded last week nearly $40,000 in scholarships to 34 students entering full time post-secondary programs at the college.

The scholarships are made possible through the generosity of local businesses and organizations, community members, Parkland College staff, the annual Dollars for Scholars Golf Classic, and Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration’s Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship program.

The Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship program is a matching program in which funds are provided on a dollar-for-dollar basis with local non-government donors. For every dollar raised locally, the province will match that dollar to support scholarships for high academic achievers.

At a “Scholarship Tea” held last week at the Gallagher Centre, college president Dr. Fay Myers thanked everyone who contributed to the scholarship program, but particularly the students and local donors.

“This is a very special afternoon for us,” she said. “We really do honour our students this afternoon and, of course, the donors who have come forward to present scholarships to the students. Every little bit helps.”

Myers was also in for some praise of her own, though.

Del Killick, chairman of the school’s board of governors credited Myers for her 15 years of accomplishments on behalf of Parkland College.

“Tremendous progress has been made under her care,” he said. “We have grown into the largest college in the province of Saskatchewan, which is in itself a compliment.

“I thank you for the time and your devotion to what you’ve done for the college so far and there’s no doubt that you’re going to do much more than you’ve already done.”

The total value of the scholarships was $39,500 with individual awards between $500 and $2,000.

This years contributors included: Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration, the Canadian Federation of University Women – Yorkton, CUPE 4980, SIAST, SaskTel, Myers & Associates, Painted Hand Casino, Victory Safety & Training, Kardynal Transport, LDM Foods, Richardson Oilseed International, Logan Stevens Construction, Grain Millers, Gardon Securities, A & K Architects, Corey Fransishyn, Dr. Ken Cottenie and Dr. Cody Bowtell, Royal Drug Mart, RBC Royal Bank, R H Electric, GX 94/Fox FM, Kahkewistahaw Gas and Convenience Store, Leon Ram Companies, Loucks Pharmacy, Mosaic Potash Esterhazy, Painted Hand Community Development Corporation, Bob and Diane Maloney, Bell Media, and Dollars for Scholars Golf Classic participants and sponsors.