A former teacher at Kamsack Comprehensive Institute (KCI) has started a scholarship fund for students who wish to pursue environmental studies upon graduation from high school.
The Eichler Family Habitat Heritage Scholarship is being offered to a successful high school graduate for the 2019 school year, or a graduate of 2018 of KCI or Swan Valley Regional Secondary School (SVRSS) and pursuing post-secondary education in the fall of 2019.
The application process will be administered by the Swan Lake Watershed Conservation District (SLWCD.)
Sponsored by Joe and Mary Jane Eichler and family, the scholarship applications must be submitted to SLWCD by June 1.
“I taught at KCI for 16 years,” Eichler said. “During that time, we also farmed property in Manitoba. We owned a piece of property that was not suitable for farming, that had river frontage, and we always felt it would be good for a nature refuge, to preserve wildlife and habitat.
“Throughout our lifetime, my wife and I have witnessed large industry which destroys natural habitat and causes pollution, and it’s bothered us a great deal.
“That’s why we are now offering this scholarship to students who wishes to pursue environmental studies. The criteria states that the recipient must be entering a post-secondary program in the field of natural resources, land and water, or an environmental related program.
“My family and I are very passionate about the environment. I love trees, and in my lifetime, I have planted thousands of trees.”
Eichler has many fond memories of his years spent at KCI as the French language teacher. One of the best memories was in 1992 when he took a group of 11 KCI students to Quebec on a foreign exchange student trip, and later the billet families in Quebec sent their students on a reciprocal trip to Kamsack.
“It was for Canada’s 125th year and everyone had an enjoyable time,” he said.
More information and applications for the scholarship are available at KCI.
