The Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club (ANSC) has awarded its inaugural Youth Mentorship Scholarship to graduating student Sam Parsons in recognition of his leadership and commitment to coaching young skiers through the club’s Jack Rabbit program.
The new annual scholarship provides $500 to a graduating student who has demonstrated mentorship and leadership while volunteering with the club’s youth program.
Parsons, who will begin Mechanical Engineering studies at the University of Guelph this fall, said coaching with the Jack Rabbit program gave him an opportunity to give back to a community that had supported him throughout his own skiing journey.
“For me, it was a way to give back to the community that did so much for me,” Parsons wrote in his scholarship application. “Along the way, I learned important leadership skills and reinforced qualities such as patience, adaptability, and accountability. The program also helped encourage proper communication, both with students as well as parents and other coaches.”
He added that being a Jack Rabbit instructor helped him grow both as a leader and as a person.
“I enjoyed being a Jackrabbit instructor, not only because I got to give back to the community, but because it pushed me to better myself in order to be a good role model for younger children. I believe that my time with the Jackrabbit program made me a better person in all aspects of life.”
The Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club says it plans to offer the scholarship annually to help local graduates as they pursue post-secondary education. Club officials thanked all of this year’s applicants, noting that each submitted thoughtful reflections on leadership and mentorship through the Jack Rabbit program.
Because of the high calibre of applicants, the recipient was selected through an established lottery process rather than a traditional judging panel.
The club also encourages teens interested in Nordic skiing to consider joining its youth leadership and coaching team.
ANSC wished Parsons continued success as he begins his studies at the University of Guelph this fall.
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