Bryson Penner knows firsthand the impact a Katie Cares care package can have on a kid.
He was just five or six years old when he was the recipient of the charity’s kindness.
“I was in the hospital for a while, I had a long stay, and Katie Cares helped me out so much,” the soon-to-be Garden Valley Collegiate graduate shares. “They brought in a TV and video games, movies, and I even got a stuffie that I still have today. So it’s just great memories. Everyone in that organization helped make my hospital stays so much better.”
Last week, Penner was on the receiving end of another gift from Katie Cares: he is this year’s recipient of the $2,000 Kaitlyn Marie Reimer Scholarship.
Ruth Reimer, executive director of Katie Cares and mother to its late namesake, says Penner’s application essay where he outlined his experience with the charity and his dreams for the kind of teacher he hopes to be in the future captured the hearts of the family.
“He wrote, ‘Experiencing [Katie Cares’] support inspired me and I want to bring that same comfort and encouragement to the kids in my future classroom, helping them feel safe and cared for, just like I did,’” Reimer shared, noting they are grateful for the opportunity to recognize a student who reflects the values the scholarship represents. The award was created to recognize GVC grads pursuing post-secondary education who demonstrate a commitment to making a difference.
Penner’s community involvements include helping make care hampers for families in need at Christmas and volunteering with local hockey programs that teach kids how to skate.
He will begin his post-secondary education at the University of Manitoba this fall.
“I would love to be a high school teacher that would teach gym classes or health sciences,” Penner says. “I’m really into exercise science and stuff like that.”
In addition to his studies, Penner will continue his hockey career with the MMJHL’s Pembina Valley Twisters.
The scholarship will be a great help in easing the financial burden that comes with attending university, Penner says.
“I’ve been working two jobs trying to save up as much as I can, but I know university is a lot of money,” he says. “This will help loads … I’m just so grateful to be able to have it.”
