2026 Redcliff Scholarship Awards
Redcliff, AB - Redcliff, AB – The Redcliff Scholarships for Advanced Education Committee is pleased to announce that Eagle Butte High School graduates Zaria Kelly, Josh Neufeld, and Rachel Pachan have been selected as the recipients of the 2026 Redcliff Scholarship Awards. All three students will be attending post secondary institutions this fall and will each receive a $6,000 scholarship to support their educational pursuits.
Zaria Kelly will be attending Medicine Hat College to pursue a Bachelor of Education degree, with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher at I.F. Cox School in Redcliff. “My lifelong dedication to serving the Redcliff community and my passion for working with children have inspired my goal of becoming a teacher and contributing to our community's future.” | |
Josh Neufeld will be attending Prairie College to pursue a Bachelor of Theology degree. Following his undergraduate studies, he plans to continue his education with the goal of entering pastoral ministry or becoming a teacher. “I am drawn to both ministry and education because they involve studying Scripture, theology, and history, and then sharing that knowledge with others in a way that helps them grow.” | |
Rachel Pachan will be attending the University of Lethbridge to pursue a dual Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Education degree. Her goal is to build a career as an art teacher. “I strongly believe that the world needs art, beauty, and love, and I hope to share those values through education.” |
“The committee reviewed eleven applications from an exceptionally strong group of students, making this year's selection process very challenging,” said Pam Cursons, Chair of the Scholarship Selection Committee. “We are proud to support Zaria, Josh, and Rachel as they pursue their post secondary goals and look forward to seeing the contributions they will make in the future.”
Established in 2002, the Redcliff Scholarships for Advanced Education support outstanding local students as they pursue post secondary studies. Since the program's inception, the scholarships have helped more than 60 local graduates continue their education and pursue their career goals. The program is funded through the generosity of Redcliff organizations, past and present residents, and community supporters who recognize the value of investing in future generations.
The scholarship program currently includes three annual awards of up to $6,000 each, including the original Redcliff Scholarship for Advanced Education, the For Four Friends Scholarship, and the David Jon Thomson Scholarship. Selection criteria include financial need, leadership and citizenship, academic merit, and overall ability, with preference given to first year students who have resided in Redcliff for the majority of their school years.
If you require further information, please contact Fund Administrator Pat Cocks at the number listed below.
Pat Cocks
Redcliff Scholarship Fund Administrator
403-548-9784
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Terms of Reference for Scholarships
The Redcliff Scholarship for Advanced Education was launched at the Reunion of the 1944 Grade One Class held in September 2002. The aim was to create an endowed scholarship fund. Ongoing public contributions credited to this fund have been contributed by, or in tribute to, past and present citizens of Redcliff and by Redcliff organizations.
A second scholarship designated as the “For Four Friends Scholarship” was established in the memory of the value of the lifelong Redcliff friendships of Jack Fairhurst, Ron Hodges, John Hudak and Gerald Berkhold. This second scholarship is administered parallel to the initial scholarship. It enabled two separate but equal scholarships to be awarded commencing in 2006.
A third award was created in December 2020 by the family of David Jon Thomson to honour his legacy. Mr. Thomson grew up in Redcliff and was a well-known businessman and a lifelong supporter of higher education.
The scholarships are to support the brightest and most able Redcliff high school graduates to explore fully their potential. The scholarships have as priorities the student’s financial need and overall abilities. The award criteria include: financial need, leadership and citizenship and academic merit, with preference to first year students. Priority will be given to applicants who have resided in Redcliff for the majority of their school years.
Payment of the scholarships are governed as follows:
● There are three separate annual scholarships for tuition at an institution of advanced education to a maximum of $6,000 each.
● The $6,000 scholarship will be applied to the student’s tuition with two equal payments of $3,000 being sent directly to the post-secondary institution in mid-August and mid-December by Prairie Rose Public Schools.
● A scholarship award will be available for 18 months from the date of the award.
● Scholarship recipients may apply in subsequent years, but awards will be made with preference to first year students.
Questions regarding payment are to be directed to:
Mr. Ryan Boser, Chief Financial Officer
Prairie Rose Public Schools
918 Second Avenue Dunmore, Alberta T1B 0K3
403-527-5516 ext. 2313
[email protected]