January 6, 2021 (Lacombe, AB) – Two promising young agriculture leaders are slightly closer to achieving their dreams of becoming leaders in Alberta’s agriculture industry.
This week the Alberta Seed Processors announced the recipients of the 2020 Seed Smart scholarships, a program established in 2017 as a means to recognize outstanding young leaders in the agricultural sector.
The purpose of the scholarship is to fuel passionate young advocates such as Frankiw & Smerychynski and to encourage them to continue building careers that will benefit the agriculture industry in Alberta, says ASP General Manager Monica Klaas.
“We are thrilled to present this year’s award to such passionate and engaging young leaders,” she says.
“Their references all spoke of how much impact they’ve already had on their communities. We are excited to see how they will use their passion, knowledge and education to contribute to our industry.”
Recipients
Michael Frankiw is an Agricultural Management student at Old’s College. The President of the Students’ Association of Olds College and former editor of the college’s ag blog, he interested in the areas of agriculture, student advocacy and mental health and has career aspirations to address misconceptions around the realities of modern farming.
“I want to develop an agricultural advocacy framework that teachers others how to be positive advocates,” he says. “I feel that getting this scholarship confirms I’m on the right path going forward. I hope in the future I will be able to continue my work and become an ambassador for the industry to people from more urban areas.”
Konnor Smerychynski is a Crop Technology student at Lakeland College. A former Westlock Thunderbirds football player and volunteer with several community organizations in Westlock, AB, he understands the value and importance of building community in rural areas of the province and being a good role model for younger members of the community.
After graduation, Smerychynski plans to farm with his dad in the Pembina Heights area. and continue his work in community development.
“Agriculture is an important part of my heritage and I am committed to making it my future,” he says.
For more information about the Seed Smart scholarship program, visit https://seedprocessors-dev.cfhosting.ca/alberta-seed-processors-establish-seed-smart-scholarship-fund/.
For more information, contact:
Monica Klaas General Manager, Alberta Seed Processors Phone: (403) 489-9999 Email: monica.klaas@seedprocessors.ca
