Emily Opthof, 19, of Enniskillen Township was the recipient of this year’s Women’s Institute of Lambton County Scholarship.
Making the presentation at the annual meeting of the Lambton Federation of Agriculture, Women’s Institute member Ann McGugan noted that to be eligible for the scholarship a student must be enrolled in the first or second year in any line of study, of any university or college within Ontario.
She added that there were a significant number of very worthy applicants this year for the $500 scholarship and thanked all those who had applied.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, we had to really had to dig deep to find a winner,” she said.
Emily is a graduate of Lambton Central Collegiate and Vocational Institute (LCCVI) in Petrolia. She is now a second year student at the University of Western Ontario and is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science Program majoring in food and nutrition.
“Wellness has always been an interest of Emily’s and as an athlete she fully understands the importance of nutrition and is very eager to emphasize the importance of health and wellness,” said Ann McGugan.
She added that after completing her Bachelor of Science program, Emily intends to continue on and obtain a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics with the goal of becoming a Registered Nutritionist.
“Emily was very active in her high school years being involved in the Lancer’s Got Talent team performing in a number of school music and theatrical programs and also competed at the Lambton County Music Festival.
Among her other interests were Tae Quon Do and figure skating.
In accepting the award, Emily thanked the Women’s Institute for what she called a “an extremely generous scholarship.”
The first branch of the Women’s Institute was formed in Stoney Creek, Ont. in 1897. Today the organization has approximately 300 branches across Ontario with more than 4,000 members.
~John Phair~
Today’s Farmer