Student wins award

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DRYDEN-Nineteen-year-old Joelle Gamble, a student at Dryden High School, is one of five Canadian young people receiving a scholarship from Royal Bank's RBC Financial Group this year.

The winners receive an annual scholarship of $4,000 for a maximum of four years at university or two years at community college. They also get preferential treatment, if they are studying business, for summer jobs and post-graduate employment with RBC Financial Group.

The awards are decided by an independent committee of Aboriginal academics, who look at applicants' personal and academic achievements and financial need.

Charles Coffey, RBC's executive vice-president of government and community affairs, stated that investing in these youth is investing in the future of their communities. "These young Canadians of Aboriginal descent have demonstrated a capacity for leadership, community involvement and creativity that RBC is proud to encourage and foster through the Aboriginal Student Awards," Coffey said.

Gamble, a Metis, plans to study biology at university. She has already been recognized with several awards including a Governor General's Award in 2001 and a general proficiency award in 1998. She is a Cisco-certified networking associate as well.

Her volunteer experience includes time with the Ontario Provincial Police as a survey taker and marine student, and she has been a representative for the D.A.R.E. and Kid's Kan programs. In addition, Gamble has tutored and worked as a librarian at the Dryden long-term care residence. Her other interests include karate, and she is working towards her junior black belt.

Royal Bank set up the Aboriginal Student Awards program in 1992, and so far have awarded 54 scholarships worth $486,000.