Congratulations to this year’s winners of the BCTA Motor Carrier and Associate Member Scholarships.

Each year BCTA offers scholarships to children of member company owners and employees– the BCTA Motor Carrier Member Scholarship and the BCTA Associate Member Scholarship. This year, a new scholarship has been established: the Kerry Winkler Memorial.

Kerry Winkler held the position of President of ColdFront from 2012 to 2018. He was well-respected for his exceptionally strong business and strategic skills which were reflected in his passion for his work and for the transportation industry. Kerry was an active and enthusiastic participant in and supporter of the BC Trucking Association, including as a member of the BCTA Associate Executive Committee. 

The Kerry Winkler Memorial has been established in Kerry’s memory by his family, and by his former employer, ColdFront.

Each scholarship category awards two $1,250.00 prizes:

Motor Carrier Scholarships

First Year Post-Secondary: Meghan Antonson (Hawkeye Holdings Ltd.)

Meghan graduated from Heritage Christian School in Kelowna and has been admitted to the Broadcast and Online Journalism Diploma Program at BCIT. Her love for using her skills and abilities to the benefit of those in her community is what is prompting Meghan to consider a career in the Journalistic field. Providing others in her community and beyond with accurate and unbiased information is important to her. Meghan has participated in a number of school-level theatrical productions and has cultivated vocal skills through 3 consecutive years. She has volunteered through a number of different organizations (such as the Global Schoolhouse, Christian Home Educators Convention, and the school drama team), and is honing her skills (i.e., interpersonal relations, teamwork, organizational skills, and ability to be both analytical and creative) to use in her future careers.

Second Year & Beyond Post-Secondary: Natalie McMurchy (Northwest Tank Lines)

Natalie’s passion for caring for children and family centered care is something she would like to explore further as she transitions from a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to a Registered Nurse (RN). Having completed the Practical Nursing program at Vancouver Community College, Natalie has been accepted into the BScN program at the same school to further her skills. Positively contributing to her community is important to Natalie. During the start of the pandemic, she worked as an LPN in a long-term care facility in Australia. Being a front-line health care worker during this time was challenging, but Natalie found the experience rewarding knowing she is doing her part to ensure the safety of others. As she moves forward in her career, Natalie is determined to face the ever-changing nature of the healthcare system with perseverance and compassion.

Associate Scholarships

First Year Post-Secondary: Nolan Matthews (The Inland Group)

Nolan’s love for science began at a young age. His deep interest in the medical field is what motivated him to enroll in every science course offered at Vernon Secondary School. Nolan is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree (majoring in biology) with the goal of attending the Southern Medical Program at UBC’s Okanagan campus. His long-term career goal is to become a Cardiothoracic surgeon, and is motivated by the opportunity to save lives and have a true sense of purpose in life. In addition to his studies, Nolan’s passion for sports (including hockey and football) have allowed him to challenge himself even further. Through sports Nolan discovered a number of volunteering opportunities to give back to his community (Gleaners, Food Bank Canada, and tutoring from his local school).

Second Year & Beyond Post-Secondary: Tyrell Sideroff (The Inland Group)

Currently Tyrell works at the Southern Medical Program of UBC Okanagan (UBCO) as a student researcher and going into his fourth year of a human kinetics degree at UBCO. His love for helping others has led Tyrell to pursue a career in medicine. He plans to apply to medical school in the spring of 2023. When he is not working towards a career in medicine, Tyrell is working towards a business administration degree from Okanagan College. Tyrell is grateful for the places and people that have given him the opportunities in life, which is why he plans to dedicate his life to giving back. He loves to help others by volunteering his time to teach sled hockey and at the Kelowna General Hospital.

Kerry Winkler Memorial

First Year Post-Secondary: Annika Coxe (7 Generation Capital)

Annika likes to be involved with her community, being sure to pursue her passions while doing so. She graduated with distinction every year of Gleneagle Secondary school in Coquitlam. Annika is pursuing engineering, attributed by her love to innovate. Her dream job is to work for NASA She was part of the Student Leadership Council for School District 43 for five years. During this time, she was a district representative, spoke at board meetings on behalf of the students, and advocated for changes in BC education and schools. Annika was also co-chair of the council in grade 11, and made countless meaningful connections with many students, staff, and speakers from around the world.

Second Year & Beyond Post-Secondary: Brielle Pedersen-Skene (Coastal Transportation and Storage Ltd.)

Being a midwife for Brielle is not just about helping those through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum; for her it is centered around helping the whole family and empowering individuals to advocate for their needs. This past year in the Bachelor of Midwifery program at Mount Royal University, Brielle took interest in Indigenous midwifery and plans to use her education to teach others and instill important values about health and well-being into the next generation. Community has always been a part of her family’s life, which is why Brielle has taken on many community involvements to better the lives of those around her. She volunteered at many school events, and when she received the opportunity to volunteer at a local midwifery clinic in Grade 11, it was the highlight of her high school career. Currently Brielle is a summer camp leader and puts her full heart and soul into it knowing she is a role model to younger children.

Congratulations to our winners on your achievements and best of luck meeting your goals in the coming academic year and beyond!