Creating sports opportunities for youth is one way Jenna Mulholland intends to make her mark in the world. Opportunities shaped her into the confident person she is today and she wants the same transformation for others.
The graduate of Charles Bloom Secondary School in Lumby, BC, is among the recipients of a 2016 TRU Ambassador’s Entrance Scholarship and begins her Bachelor of Science studies this September. Valued at $22,000, the award recognizes documented exemplary leadership, community service and strong academic performance.
“I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunities to the play sports that I love at exceptionally high levels and I wish that more children from small schools and communities such as mine could have the same opportunities,” said Mulholland, who during two years of high school, had to travel more than one hour each way to play club basketball in Kelowna. She also played three years of club volleyball in Vernon and though the drive was only 30 minutes one way, it was another reminder that smaller towns usually have fewer opportunities. Those experiences spurred her to give back to basketball in Lumby by coaching Grade 7 girls, helping run the Steve Nash Youth Basketball program and assisting with camps for younger athletes.
“Through volunteering in many different aspects in my school and community, I have discovered the type of person that I strive to be in life,” said Mulholland. “I am empowered and motivated to take advantage of all opportunities to learn, grow and make meaningful connections with others in my future.”
When not serving as a school athlete, Mulholland found herself fundraising for school activities and in roles with Student Leadership, Me to We and Student Voice. As a representative with Student Voice not only for her school but also at the district and provincial levels, she brought forward student opinions and suggestions to local, district and provincial policy makers.
And to think a few years earlier she would have run from those situations. Not one to speak up in class for fear of stumbling over a word, roles with Student Leadership soon changed that. While Student Leadership is largely about generating school spirit through events and activities—members hone personal skills through presentations, planning, leading and mobilizing others.
“My fear started to fade as I became more comfortable speaking in front of groups. I’ve since spoken at school assemblies and presented at district and provincial forums. If asked to do any of those things several years ago, the outcome wouldn’t even be comparable. Student Leadership helped define who I am and my goals in life.”
Academic accomplishments:
- Top Academic in grades 8 and 9
- A average in grades 8-12
- Senior Science Excellence Award in grades 11 and 12
- All Round Honour Award in Grade 12
Service to her school:
- as a member of Me to We, raising global awareness while helping with penny drives, selling raffle tickets and twice attending We Day
- helping start and organize the annual Love Your Lungs Dodge Ball Tournament to raise awareness about the negative consequences that smoking, drugs, alcohol and other unhealthy activities can have in life
- being a coachable role model on the sports teams she played for
Service to her community:
- helping athletes 5-12 years old hone their skills and pursue their dreams by co-coaching Lumby Minor Baseball
- volunteering at district track and field meets
