Schmidt and Jones receive Scott Builders Student-Athlete Leadership Scholarships

Schmidt and Jones receive Scott Builders Student-Athlete Leadership Scholarships

On the morning student-athletes and central Alberta community members were treated to a talk from Karl Subban about leadership and following one’s dreams, two dedicated RDC student-athletes were recognized for their contributions throughout the year at the 15th Annual Kings & Queens Scholarship Breakfast.

Both Megan Schmidt, of Queens Volleyball, and Andrew Jones, from Kings Curling, were announced as this year’s recipients of the Scott Builders Student-Athlete Leadership Scholarships. Schmidt and Jones were selected for leadership qualities on their teams, within RDC and throughout central Alberta.

Over her five years at Red Deer College, Megan Schmidt has been an important member of the RDC Queens Volleyball team, the College and the community. The middle blocker played a key role in helping the Queens win a bronze medal at the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Women’s Volleyball Championship this year after an impressive second place finish (18-6) in the south during the regular season. The talented student-athlete from Red Deer plays with enthusiasm and is a positive influence on those around her.

“Megan is a dedicated student-athlete who is always giving back to her community,” says Chris Wandler, RDC Queens Volleyball Head Coach. “She shows appreciation for all people and life experiences, and is most deserving of this recognition.”

The Bachelor of Business Administration student is a leader on and off the court. Megan has been active in central Alberta throughout her time at RDC. She has coached at École Secondaire Notre Dame High School and with the Central Alberta Queens Volleyball Club program. The two-time Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Volleyball National Champion is the co-chair of the RDC Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Megan is a positive role model for children and her passion for learning and physical activity is evident. She has helped implement the Raise-A-Reader program in central Alberta schools, which encourages literacy while strengthening connections between students, parents and the library. Throughout the year, Megan promoted the importance of exercise and participated in several sports with central Alberta students.

In only his second-year, Andrew Jones has taken on an important leadership role with Red Deer College Curling, RDC Athletics and central Alberta organizations. His positive attitude, support of his teammates and sheer skill helped contribute to the silver medal performance by the RDC Kings at the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Curling Championships this past year. With the ACAC medal, the Kings earned a spot in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Curling National Championships.

The curler from Ponoka continually works on his improving his skills, and he motivates his teammates. "Andrew has worked extremely hard on his curling game, which has resulted in steady growth this season and an ACAC Men’s Curling All-Conference team selection. He was one of the top seconds throughout ACAC competition this year and tied for the second highest shooting percentage in his position during the round robin at nationals," says Brad Hamilton, Head Coach of RDC Curling. "Andrew encourages his teammates to practice and train above expectations."

The central Alberta curler has made an impact beyond the rink. "While Andrew is an important member of RDC Curling, he is also a critical member of the community with his contributions," says Hamilton. "He is one of our representatives on the College's Student-Athlete Advisory Council and  also gives back by helping with junior and high school curling in his hometown."

Andrew has volunteered for Special Olympics Curling and was an instructor for Adult Learn to Curl in Red Deer. The Business Administration student is always willing to help others which makes him an integral and dedicated member of the curling community at RDC and across central Alberta.

The announcements were made at Harvest Centre, Westerner Park.