Meet Kaylan Phillips. The Sa-Hali Secondary graduate is one of five recipients of the 2015 TRU Ambassador’s Entrance Scholarship and begins his Bachelor of Science this September.

“I am extremely grateful to be awarded this scholarship,” said Phillips. “This will enable me to focus on my studies, continue my volunteer service, take part in other learning experiences such as study abroad and plan for higher education in the future.”

Valued at $22,000, the award recognizes documented exemplary leadership and community service, combined with strong academic performance.

“I am proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish and humbled by what still needs to be done.”

Academic accomplishments: being on the honour roll and effort roll throughout high school, receiving first-class honours, receiving academic excellence awards, and attending the Shad Valley enrichment program in 2014.

Service to his school: attending student leadership conferences, being an in-school mentor to younger students, getting involved with various school spirit events, and playing for basketball, volleyball and golf teams.

Service to his community: being a youth leader for TRU’s EUReKA science camps, fundraising and volunteering with the United Way, Big Brothers and Sisters and the Kamloops Food Bank, and volunteering for the past five years with Kamloops United Church’s PIT Stop (People in Transition) program, encouraging others to do the same.

“I am proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish and humbled by what still needs to be done,” said Phillips. “My educational background has provided knowledge, my sports have provided character building and community development has opened my mind to a greater understanding of how education, service and leadership can align to create opportunities and learning.”