A positive role model for female athletes and a basketball player with a “get it done” attitude scored big at the 13th annual Red Deer College Kings and Queens Scholarship Breakfast on Thursday.
Casey Nicholson, 23, captain of the Queens hockey team and Matt Johnson, 21, captain of the Kings basketball team were tapped for the Student-Athlete Leadership Scholarships.
Nicholson said she is going to take a lot away from her RDC experience.
“I’ve learned perseverance, resilience, relentless work ethic,” said Nicholson. “This program has given me more than I ever could have given it. I am so honoured to have been recognized.”
Next year Nicholson will either attend the University of Calgary or the University of Alberta to finish her kinesiology degree and later obtain her Masters in adapted physical education.
Johnson said his time over the last four years has been incredible. Johnson said coming straight out of high school into a top program like the one offered at RDC was amazing. Johnson said he has learned many things from his collegiate career and the leadership opportunities along the way.
Johnson will graduate this year with a business administration degree from Mount Royal.
Athletic Director Diane St-Denis said the student-athletes are leaders at the college, the Athletics program and the community.
She said the breakfast is a wonderful opportunity to profile the student-athletes and the programs and to remind people why their support is appreciated and where it is going.
“It’s all about the student athletes,” said St-Denis. “This is a great opportunity for them to enhance their learning at the college, get those skills that they can’t really get in the classroom and take that to the next level when they get their careers. It’s important for us to remind folks you’re not just donating money, you are also helping someone develop themselves into that next level in their lives.”
The Kings and Queens Scholarship Breakfast has raised more than $280,000 for the Athletic Leadership Fund since its inception. It helps student-athletes pursue education and passion for playing collegiate sports.