Katie Cares recently handed out its fourth annual Kaitlyn Marie Reimer Scholarship to Cheyenne Thiessen.
The $2,000 scholarship is presented annually to a graduate of Garden Valley Collegiate in memory of the late Reimer, founder and namesake of Katie Cares. It was created thanks to a donation from Kerry and Darlene Pollack.
Ruth Reimer, Katie’s mother and head of the non-profit, says Thiessen’s application essay resonated with the entire family.
“It struck such a chord with all of us,” she said, explaining that Thiessen’s piece shared some of the challenges she overcame growing up and her dreams to one day create more safe spaces and supportive programming for Winkler area youth. “It was a difficult choice between the four candidates, but we came back and it was unanimous … this was the one.
“The honesty and vulnerability that she shared in her essay, and when meeting her … it stood out,” Reimer said. “I’m so glad that we are able to give her this hand up to help with her education.”
Thiessen intends to use the financial support towards her post-secondary studies in sociology at Brandon University this fall.
“I want to pursue a career in youth work,” she shared. “I want to work at a resource centre or somewhere that kids can go if they need help for things.”
It’s a resource that’s very much needed in Winkler, Thiessen observed.
“There’s a lot of stuff for families and a lot of stuff for people with disabilities or newcomers, but there isn’t very much for youth,” she said, noting she found a welcoming community in the local amateur theatre world. She’s been acting with Flatlands Theatre Company for years.
“This last year I started to help out with teaching the theatre classes that they have,” Thiessen said, adding that it was an honour to be a mentor for some of the younger students seeking new ways to express themselves. “It was an incredible experience, and doing that really helped me see how much more community we need for young people here.”
