Vanderhoof’s Kent Fehr and Fraser Lake’s Luke Friesen are two of 10 interior B.C. students who scored entrance scholarship from the voice of forest industries this year.
“[The Council of Forest Industries is pleased to encourage and support the next generation of forestry leaders in the province to pursue areas of study such as natural resources, science and environmental technology,” said Susan Yurkovich, president and CEO of COFI. “Forestry has long been the cornerstone of the provincial economy.
“Through sustainable forest practices and new technologies, the industry continues to be one of the most significant economic drivers in the province today, creating approximately 145,000 direct and indirect jobs throughout BC.”
In order to be awarded $1,000, the students needed to demonstrate academic success and an interest in pursuing a career in forestry.
Kent Fehr will be attending the University of Northern British Columbia to eventually become a registered professional forester. During the summer, he will continue his work with Forest Floor Contracting, where he already worked for the past years and performed professional-grade work, he said.
“I feel very happy and grateful for the scholarship knowing I won’t be in as much crippling student debt,” Fehr said. He plans to continue his employment with FFC after his studies at UNBC.
“I will slowly acquire more experience and responsibilities until I eventually take over an executive role and take over for the older guys,” he said.
Other scholarship recipients in the north include Kaylee Walstrom from Fort. St. James, as well as Bradley Wickson and Philip Gust from Smithers.