Access Credit Union has announced the recipients of its 2022 Tell Us Your Story scholarship program, with a number of winners from the Pembina and Red River Valleys.

Abbey Chubaty, who attends Roseau Valley School in Dominion City, was awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Chubaty will be attending the University of Winnipeg, with the goal of attaining a science degree, with a focus on biochemistry, and ultimately studying medicine.

A total of $15,000 was given out, with the remainder going to:

$2500 Award: Chloe Dyck

$2500 Award: Jace Trosky

$1000 Award: Janessa Hintz

$1000 Award: Aurora Pilkington

$1000 Award: Kaylee Wiebe

$1000 Award: Matthew Elliott

$1000 Award: Avery Skog

The recipients are from Dominion City, Morris, Carman, Winnipeg, Morden and Winkler.

“The Tell Us Your Story scholarship program is new this year, and was designed to be more inclusive and encouraging for everyone,” explained Access Credit Union Community Coordinator Keesy Rodewald. “We wanted students to share their unique stories, experiences, and challenges, whether it is inspiring, humorous, or courageous. We know that sharing stories is the best way to build relationships.”

The Tell us Your Story Scholarship Program was designed to reward students who align with Access Credit Union’s values of integrity, service, innovation, and opportunity.

The following is an excerpt from Abbey’s winning application:

“It was still dark when I looked out my window before leaving my quaint house. The air was cold and crisp hitting my face as I walked outside to drive the ninety-one kilometers to the hospital. This was not unusual for my family, since we live in a rural, farming community. This is the day that I went for my first MRI of my brain, after having suffered through four traumatic concussions. In this moment I decided I was going to pursue a career in medicine!….. On that cold winter day, as we drove 90 minutes to receive access to health care, even as a little girl, I realized this was unacceptable. My dream is to see that everyone has access to health care providers near their home communities. Statistically, rural communities, have delays in healthcare access, increased travel burdens, and poor prognosis. I want to be the solution!”