Vernon Student Wins Premier’s Excellence Award

VANCOUVER – Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell presented awards today to the province’s top high school graduates last year – chosen for their excellent grades, service to their communities and involvement in extra-curricular activities – and announced a new category for a student with a disability.“The Premier’s Excellence Awards recognize young British Columbians from all over the province who are both outstanding students and model citizens,” Coell said. “I congratulate each of this year’s winners for what they have already achieved, and look forward to the contributions they will make as they progress through their post-secondary education and on to exceptional careers.”The awards include a medal of recognition and a $15,000 scholarship to attend a public post-secondary institution in B.C.
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Erin Crockett of Vernon graduated from Kalamalka secondary school. He was a freestyle ski instructor and a leader on the school’s senior soccer team, as well as being a nationally ranked tennis player, member of the Tennis BC provincial team, and volunteer tennis coach for children and wheelchair athletes. He played piano in the school senior jazz band and combo, performing at fundraisers, jazz festivals and community events. He has served on his school’s student council, organized activities for Grade 8 students as a member of the Safe Schools Team, and raised money for charity through SPAM, the Social Political Awareness Movement. His academic awards include the BMO Financial Group National Major Entrance Scholarship to UBC, the Shad International Merit Scholarship and the B.C. Hydro Scholarship. Erin’s goal is to become a doctor or a veterinarian.