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. Each scholarship category awards two $1,250.00 prizes.

Motor Carrier Scholarships

First Year Post-Secondary: Braden Papa son of Gerard Papa, Gordon Food Service

Braden graduated with honours from Johnston Heights Secondary in Surrey and is enrolled in the University of British Columbia. His deep interest in history and the human mind throughout high school has led him to further his studies in Psychology and Sociology in the Bachelor of Arts program. Braden is interested in challenging the mental health stigma that exists in society through knowledge and education. He would also like to have a greater understanding of altruism, as he aspires to be an inspiration for others by helping them become better versions of themselves. Braden’s passion for helping others has led him to volunteer for many church activities and events in and out of school. Although he does not yet have a specific occupation in mind, Braden is currently contemplating psychology-related careers.  His extracurricular activities included his school’s leadership team, jazz choir, and playing tenor sax and trumpet in jazz band.

Second Year & Beyond Post-Secondary: Carolyn Tang daughter of Hung Tang, Gordon Food Service

Initially working towards a Bachelor of Commerce at the Sauder School of Business, Carolyn’s passion for helping those in need led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).  Her experience as a volunteer during the pandemic at the Burnaby Hospital motivated Carolyn to want to help others, particularly in the area of mental health. Once she completes her program at BCIT, Carolyn plans to return to UBC to complete her Bachelor of Commerce so she can expand her knowledge in the area of non-profits and impact investing. Her long-term career goal is to establish a non-profit organization that will provide health education clinics in communities with poorer health and literacy rates. After volunteering at the Burnaby Hospital as a mental health supporter, Carolyn has joined a non-profit organization known as The Colour Project as a peer/mental health support. It is an anonymous peer-to-peer text platform designed to provide emotional support.

Associate Scholarships

First Year Post-Secondary: Andrew Nathan, son of Tony Nathan, K-Line Trailers

Andrew graduated from Sands Secondary School in Delta and has been admitted to the Sustainable Energy Engineering Program in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Simon Fraser University. Inspired by Canada’s commitment to eliminate the sale of new fuel-powered cars and light duty trucks by 2035, Andrew plans to become a Sustainable Energy Engineer. He recognizes the need for a more sustainable future and wants to be a part of the team working to develop the solutions needed to meet zero emission requirements. Andrew’s volunteer experience with his school includes being a technical director for theatre productions, leader of the student council, and a member of the Sands Green Team.  His community involvement includes Scouts Canada and Ride2Survive with the Canadian Cancer Society.  Andrew spent the summer as an engineering assistant before heading to post-secondary this fall.

Second Year & Beyond Post-Secondary: Bella Olson-Brooks, daughter of Kevin Olson-Brooks, Harbour International Trucks Ltd.

Bella’s interests in people, community, culture, and design have led her to pursue a career in Interior Design.  She has recently completed her first year in the Interior Design Fundamentals Program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and plans to complete the Bachelor of Interior Design program next. Upon completion of her degree Bella aims to take the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qulification) Certification exam. Earlier this year Bella applied her learning and launched Brooks Interiors, an interior design company of her own. In addition to her studies and work, Bella has been able to leverage her design skills in volunteering. She is currently working with the communications team at Ridge Church to create social media content.

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