By John Phair
In keeping with tradition, the Lambton International Plowing Match ’91 Trust Fund Scholarships were presented at this year’s Brigden Fair.
But for the first time in its 20-year history, all four recipients are graduates of Petrolia’s Lambton Central Collegiate and Vocational Institute (LCCVI) and all four are presently attending the University of Guelph.
Bryan Boyle, executive director with the Lamton IPM ’91 Trust Fund, noted that the scholarship fund was set up with money left over the highly successful International Plowing Match held in Lambton County in 1991.
“Through the various sources of revenue including gate receipts, exhibit space rental and donations, a profit of well over $125,000 resulted for the local organizing committee,” said Boyle.
Since then, each year the committee of trustees for the IPM’91 fund has presented each of four deserving second-year university students with a $1,200 scholarship.
To be eligible, students must be from Lambton’s rural community, and have completed one year of post-secondary training and be enrolled in their second year of any college or university.
Criteria for selection is based on 50% for community involvement, 20% academic record, 20% on financial need and 10% discretionary need.
Trustee Bill Bilton noted that all the volunteers involved in the IPM from the executive on down received no remuneration, which helped assure any profits could be used for the benefit of the community.
“It was exciting to see such a large group of volunteers remain so positive and pull together for a common cause and be able to leave a lasting legacy like the scholarship awards,” he said.
Bilton said the board of trustees was significantly impressed with the quality of the application submitted.
The recipients included Marty Butler, Krista Campbell, Troy Straatman and Allanah Vokes.
Marty Butler
Marty, 19, is the son of Dale and Darlene Butler of RR 2, Croton and is a graduate of LCCVI in Petrolia. He is enrolled at the University of Guelph and is working toward a Bachelor of Science degree with a specialization in Biomedical Science. He plans to pursue a career as a medical doctor, pharmacist or physiotherapist.
Krista Campbell
Krista, 19, is the daughter of Dan and Sharron Campbell of RR 1, Petrolia and a graduate of LCCVI. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Biomedical Science. Her ultimate career goal is to become a medical doctor.
Troy Straatman
Troy, 19, is the son of Garry and Heather Straatman of RR 7, Alvinston and is a graduate of LCCVI in Petrolia. He is enrolled at the University of Guelph in the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering program and his career goal is to become a mechanical engineer.
Allanah Vokes
Allanah, 19, is the daughter of David and Lori-Anne Vokes of RR 2, Sarnia and is also a graduate of LCCVI. She is in the Bachelor of Arts and Science program at the University of Guelph and is specializing in biology and studio arts. Her career goal is to become a high school biology or arts teacher.