Three students who have faced and overcome adversity are getting support to help pursue their goals and ensure their futures are bright. The students are each receiving a Neil Muth Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the Muth family and Columbia Basin Trust.
Lea Gerrard from Nakusp, Jackie King from Castlegar and Aiden Vince from Nelson will each receive $3,300 to undertake their post-secondary studies and pursue their career ambitions.
The scholarship was established in 2017 to honour Neil Muth, Columbia Basin Trust’s President and Chief Executive Officer from 2005 through 2016, who passed away in November 2016. Neil valued and supported perseverance and continuous learning. He encouraged his children, staff and others to be curious, to seek their own path, and to never give up.
“We’re so grateful for all the scholarship applicants, past and present, who have shared their incredibly moving stories with us, demonstrating how they have forged ahead despite life’s challenges,” said Cathy Muth, Neil’s wife. “The scholarship recipients exemplify perseverance, strength and courage, and we are proud to support them in achieving their educational and career goals. We wish Lea, Jackie and Aiden every success in pursuing their dreams.”
The scholarship is awarded by the Muth family, administered by the Trust and made possible by the generous donations of family, friends, local governments and organizations.
Lea Gerrard — Nakusp
“As Harry Styles sings in ‘Matilda’: ‘Nothing about the way that you were treated ever seemed especially alarming ‘til now.’ I honestly didn’t see myself getting past 16, let alone graduating. This scholarship allows me to pursue a second college degree by 20, studying business and accounting. With little support throughout my life, all my success is thanks to myself and my spiritual progression. My goal is to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting, start my own business, and create a loving family that isn’t living paycheque to paycheque. Thank you so much.”
Jackie King — Castlegar
“I wholeheartedly thank the Muth family and Columbia Basin Trust for choosing me as a recipient of the 2024 Neil Muth Memorial Scholarship. As someone familiar with adversity, this scholarship warmed my heart. As a former youth in care, life has thrown many challenges at me, but with grit and determination, I persevere every day. Now, as a student nurse, I’m one step closer to giving back to the community that raised me. My passion for caring for people has always been my guiding light. Being an aesthetician taught me how to help people feel their best, inside and out, and I’m excited to bring that energy into my nursing career. Thank you for the support to build my future. I look forward to paying it forward into our community.”
Aiden Vince — Nelson
“During my grade 11 year, I lost sight of who I was and who I wanted to be. I was in a tough situation, rethinking what was important and whether school was worth it, adopting the saying ‘you rock, you roll’ to keep going. This phrase symbolizes the adversity I’ve faced and my resilience. With the support of my family, friends and teachers, especially Sasha Kitch, I kept rising up. I sincerely thank the Muth family and Columbia Basin Trust for the Neil Muth Memorial Scholarship. This award will help me reach my goal of becoming a registered nurse at UBC Okanagan. I will cherish this award as a reminder of how far I’ve come.”
Columbia Basin Trust supports the efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, and how it helps deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the Basin, visit ourtrust.org or call 1.800.505.8998.
