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Surrey Grade 12s can once again scoop some scholarship cash.
Several thousand dollars are available through the Cloverdale Rodeo Youth Initiative Foundation (CRYIF). The foundation offers scholarships to students who’ve used their free time to volunteer with the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association.
“There are three different scholarships offered by the Cloverdale Rodeo Youth Initiative Foundation,” noted Rick Hugh, a foundation director and past chair. “The regular scholarships, the Isabella Olson Rising Above scholarship, and the Gary and Gail Gr`elish Foundation scholarship.”
Hugh said CRYIF is increasing their regular scholarship amounts this year, raising them $500 to $1,500. Both the Isabella Olson Rising Above scholarship and the Gary and Gail Grelish Foundation scholarship are $2,000 each.
He noted the lion’s share of funding for the program comes from the 50-50 draw at the Cloverdale Rodeo.
Last year, Hugh said, ticket sales were high enough that the foundation was able to significantly raise the total amount they will give out in 2025.
“We encourage people to support us again this year,” he added.
Online ticket sales for the 50-50 draw will begin in late April and end on Victoria Day, with the draw taking place during the rodeo finals that day.
“Tickets can also be purchased on the Fairgrounds over the course of the four-day Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair.”
As for the actual scholarships, the deadline to apply is May 26, two months from now.
“It’s important to note that one of the criteria for the regular CRYIF scholarships is that the applicant must be a past or current volunteer with the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association,” Hugh explained. “For any student wishing to volunteer this year, there is an application deadline of April 1.”
He added the youth foundation accepts volunteer work at the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair, but also at other rodeo association events throughout the year, such as helping at the Santa Parade, Cloverdale Market Days, and other local sporting events.
Hugh said they are currently welcoming applications from any student in Grades 10-12 who may want to volunteer at the 2025 rodeo.
“Beyond providing scholarships, (we) offer other opportunities for high school students,” explained Hugh. “Part of our mandate is to assist youth and community organizations with projects and initiatives that benefit youth in the Lower Fraser Valley.”
CRYIF was formed 11 years ago and has given out more than $80,000 to support youth in the Lower Mainland since 2014. The Isabella Olson scholarship (open only to Lord Tweedsmuir students) has been given out since 2021 and the Grelish Foundation scholarship had been given out since 2024.
For more information on CRYIF and the ways they support youth, or to apply for a scholarship, visit cloverdalerodeofoundation.com.
To volunteer with the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association, visit cloverdalerodeo.com and click on “Get Involved,” then navigate to “Volunteering.”
About the Author: Malin Jordan
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