By John Phair
Brigden – The spirit of the 1991 International Plowing Match was alive and well at this year’s Brigden Fall Fair with the presentation of a total of $4,800 in scholarships to four post-secondary students.
Jo-Anne Sanderson, who acted as Emcee at the presentation ceremony, explained that a profit of more than $125,000 was realized from the 1991 IPM, largely from various sources of revenue, including gate receipts, exhibit space rental and donations.
Consequently, she said the IPM local committee decided to set up a trust fund with a committee of trustees to investigate how the money could be best dispersed to benefit the Lambton community.
It was decided to develop a trust fund to present annual scholarships for deserving post secondary students in Lambton County. The committee also mandated that the funds be invested wisely so the capital amount remained constant with only the earned interest allocated annually for the scholarships. The trust fund was designed to run indefinitely and the committee of trustees meet at least once annually to administer the allocation of those funds. The trustees are Roy Sharp, the 1991 IPM vice-chairman, Robert Langstaff, tented city chairman, Ruth Packet, IPM treasurer and Bill Bilton, IPM county co-ordinator.
To be eligible, candidates must live in Lambton County and be enrolled in the second year of any college or university. Criteria for selection is based 50 per cent on community involvement; 20 per cent on academic achievement, 20 per cent on financial need and 10 per cent on discretionary need.
Sanderson said the trustees were very impressed with the quality of the applications submitted. Presenting the awards was trustee Robert Langstaff who congratulated the students on their achievement.
“You have worked hard, put it on paper, and proved you were the most deserving of the field,” said Langstaff.
Also bringing greetings and extending their congratulations to both the students and parents were Sarnia-Lambton MP Pat Davidson, Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey and Lambton County Warden Jim Burns. Jo-Anne Sanderson recalled that the 1991 IPM, which was held in Enniskillen Township, was a tremendous success.
“The weather co-operated, and so many people were there ready to volunteer their time and skills, many ot them spent hundreds of hours in committees to ensure that is would be a success,” she said. “Everyone was very proud of our agricultural community and the participation of the community.”
This year four scholarships of $1,200 each were presented to Matthew Boyle, Martha Maris, Nicole Stewardson and Alyssa Straatman.
Matthew Boyle
Mathew Boyle, 19, is the son of Bryan and Janet Boyle of RR #5 Forest. He is a graduate of St. Christoper’s Secondary School in Sarnia and is now attending the University of Guelph, where he is working towards a Bachelor of Commerce with specialization in public management. He plans to pursue a career in business related area within the government.
Martha Maris
Martha, 19, is the daughter of Dale and Arlene Maris of RR#2 Croton. She is a graduate of Chatham Christian School and is currently enrolled at Redeemer University College in the Bachelor of Arts program. Martha is taking a French major with a Mission and Ministry minor and aspires to be a teacher either in Canada or abroad.
Nicole Stewardson
Nicole, 19, is the daughter of Jeff and Brenda Stwardson of RR#3 Thedford. She is a graduate of North Lambton Secondary School and is currently enrolled at the University of Guelph in the Bachelor of Agriculture and Science program. Her career goal is to be a veteranarian.
Alyssa Straatman
Alyssa,19, is the daughter of Gary and Heather Straatman of RR#7 Alvinston. She attended LCCVI in Petrolia where she achieved honour status every year. She is now enrolled at Conestoga College working toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and hopes to fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner.