Tim Rappon has been conducting science experiments for fun since Grade 5 and that curiosity has paid off to the tune of $4,000.
The Grade 12 Hammarskjold High School student is one of two recipients of this year’s Ross A. Wilson Scholarship along with Cameron McKee. The pair were two of 13 students from the district of Thunder Bay to receive scholarships from the Thunder Bay Community Foundation at the Travelodge Airlane Thursday.
Rappon is headed to University of Western Ontario in the fall and hasn’t quite decided where exactly in the science field he’ll be specializing.
"Like many students going into their first year, it’s kind of a general thing so I’m thinking perhaps medical research and an eye to maybe doctoring, maybe not doctoring, we’ll see," he said. "I’m going to go in there for first year, get my feet wet in a bit of everything and get my direction from there."
While Rappon’s always prided himself on his academic work ethic, he said he’s always considered science to be fun and has been conducting experiments every year. He said the scholarship will be a huge support for him as he heads off to university in the fall.
St. Patrick High School student Brittney Marshall was one of three students to be awarded a $2,300 Joshua Dyke Family Scholarship by the community foundation for students in the city’s south ward.
She said she’s put in a lot of work during her high school career and the scholarship will be a big help when she heads to Lakehead University to study biology in the fall.
"I’ve been working for a long time, since I was in Grade 8," she said. "I’ve been putting aside money to go to school and any little bit helps."
Recipients of the awards are nominated by their high schools and not only have strong academic marks, but also community involvement, letters of reference and have to write an essay with their application, said Thunder Bay Community Foundation executive director Paul Wolfe.
He said some of the students have averages well above 95 per cent in their Grade 12 year and a resume of outstanding community service.
"That’s what we look for as a community foundation, that they be well-rounded citizens," he said. "They’re not only very bright but often the most pleasant people you’ll ever meet."
About $33,000 in scholarships were handed out Thursday afternoon.
Ross A. Wilson Scholarship - $4,000
Cameron McKee
Tim Rappon
Helen L. Dewar Scholarship - $2,300
Marissa Belcamino
Joseph Tassone
David Tom
Joshua Dyke Family Scholarship - $2,300
Joelle Fricot
Brittney Marshall
Jessica Rogers
Geraldine Ruth Rogers Scholarship - $2.300
Claudi Blier
Crystal Gingras
Kayla Kjellman
Victoria Mauro
Skylar Wielgosch