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New scholarship available to Red Deer students

William Arthur Bower Memorial Scholarship in honour of Red Deer soldier
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Red Deer & District Community Foundation recently announced the William Arthur Bower Memorial Scholarship. (Image contributed)

A new scholarship opportunity created in honour of William Arthur Bower, who lost his life in the First World War, is now available to Red Deer students.

Red Deer & District Community Foundation received a $1 million donation from Bower’s nieces Ruth and Dorothy Bower to offer the scholarship to help local students further their education and perpetuate the memory of one of the many Canadians who died in the name of their country.

“Arthur Bower, a Red Deer High School graduate, was committed to advancing his own education before he left Canada as a member of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces during World War I. He passed away in combat at 22 years old and it is this ultimate sacrifice that Dorothy and Ruth intend to honour with the scholarship that bears his name,” said Rob Porkka, education consultant and spokesperson for the Bowers.

Bower was killed in Belgium in 1916 and is buried in a Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery in Dikkebus, Belgium.

For the past 25 years students from École Secondaire Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School have visited the grave site of all former Red Deer High School students killed in the First World War.

The William Arthur Bower Memorial Scholarship, supported by the $1-million endowment, will ensure a minimum of five $5,000 scholarships will be awarded every year. Students can reapply for up to four years.

The scholarship is open to students graduating from Red Deer schools with Red Deer Public Schools and Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.

Applications will be accepted starting January 2022, with the first five scholarships awarded in June 2022. Students can get more information from their school guidance counsellors.

“The cost of post-secondary education continues to be a significant barrier for many of our residents, but with this scholarship, the door of opportunity has been opened,” said Erin Peden, foundation executive director.



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