Glaslyn youth a finalist in Black History Month competition

A total of 290 submissions from across Canada were received this year in the scholarship contest. From that amount, 30 submissions were selected as finalists in the national competition. Dorval was the only student from Saskatchewan chosen as a finalist.

To participate in the competition, students must submit an essay showing how black Canadians have “helped to define Canada’s diverse heritage and identity through their achievements and contributions to the broader society,” according to the RBC. The contest is open to students who have applied to attend college or university in the 2019/20 academic year.

Dorval said her mother advised her about the contest after seeing it online. The Grade 12 student said she found out about the contest about a week and a half prior to the due date so she had to act fast to complete her essay in time for the submission.

“My main interest was in Agriculture, so when I found out about John Ware and his importance in black history and in agriculture I knew I had to write about it,” said the youth.

Dorval grew up on her family’s farm so she admired Ware’s experience as a pioneering cattle farmer living on the Prairies. Ware was recognized for introducing longhorn cattle to Alberta in the 19th century.

Dorval had been reading about the history of Agriculture when she first came upon John Ware’s story. An African-American, Ware came to the Canadian Prairies from the U.S. in 1882 while taking part in a cattle drive. He was originally born into slavery in the U.S. He became a free man following the American Civil War, and eventually left the U.S. to come to Canada.

For her future plans, Dorval said she is looking into studying Agriculture at Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alta., after she graduates from high school.

The top three grand prize winners among the 30 finalists in the competition will be announced Monday, Feb. 11.

The first place winner will receive a $5,000 value scholarship, second place a $2,500 value scholarship, and third place a $1,500 value scholarship. The remaining 27 finalists will each receive a scholarship valued at $500.

The top three winners are welcome to attend a special celebration in Toronto on Feb. 28 to mark the 10th anniversary of this competition to honour Black History Month in Canada.

“RBC is very proud to celebrate the rich cultural mosaic that makes this country so unique, while helping to offset the ever-increasing cost of post-secondary education,” said RBC greater Toronto area regional president Kris Depencier in a release.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow

by Angela Brown

Glaslyn youth a finalist in Black History Month competition

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