LISTOWEL – A Listowel native is this year’s recipient of the Jack Riddell Scholarship.
Jack Riddell is known for the many contributions he has made during his busy life, including as a 4-H leader, a high school teacher, an auctioneer, MPP for Huron-Bruce, and Minister of Agriculture for Ontario. His achievements have been recognized by induction into the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame.
Now his example is inspiring and supporting young people to follow in his footsteps. The Jack Riddell Scholarship is awarded annually to a Grade 12 student from Huron or Perth counties who is planning a career in agriculture.
Jack’s family and friends set up the scholarship fund to recognize his contributions to agriculture. The fund is held by the South Huron Community Fund within the Sunset Community Foundation. Every year, the Avon Maitland District School Board coordinates the selection of the successful recipient and awards the scholarship at the school’s awards ceremony.
This year’s recipient is Katie Payne.
Payne is a graduate of Listowel District Secondary School. She loves being with and managing animals. She especially enjoys working with large animals, with horses and pigs her favourites.
Fueled by her passion for animals, Payne started the first year of pre-veterinary medicine at Dalhousie University’s Agricultural Campus in Truro, Nova Scotia in September. She plans to work toward her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and become a large animal veterinarian.
“The bigger the animal, the more there is to love, right?” said Payne.
The first step is to complete her undergraduate degree and get as much experience with animals as possible.
“We wish Katie every success,” said Tom Prout, chair of the South Huron Community Fund Committee. “It’s wonderful to see this fund honouring Jack’s achievements and helping Katie’s dreams come true!”
