Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/319149
16 WESTERN CANADA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION Up to five awards totalling $2500 are presented annually by the Western Canada Turf- grass Association to deserving students enrolled in a full-time Turfgrass Management Program, as chosen by a selection committee made up of WCTA Board members. Award value is minimum $500 and winners also receive a free one-year WCTA membership. 2014 AWARD WINNERS ARE: • Isaac Weintraub $1000 Penn State University • Mathew Eastman $500 Guelph University • Brendan Rutley $500 Kwantlen University • Landen Huculak $500 Kwantlen University "Congratulations to this year's award win- ners. We received 18 applications, a record number, and want to thank all those who applied," stated Awards and Recognition Committee Chair, Peter Sorokovsky. "The WCTA is very pleased to assist our turf man- agement students and were impressed with the depth and quality of the applications. It was a difficult decision indeed!" Student notes of appreciation follow: ISAAC J WEINTRAUB Dear Mr. Peter Sorokovsky and the 2014 WCTA Student Award Committee, The WCTA is an organization that has rep- resented most excellent people in the world of turf management for a long time now. It has undoubtedly seen many wonderful members both come and go. When I first became aware I had received the 2014 WCTA Student Award, I immediately thought of storied history of the organization and its membership. Having been around golf for the past twenty years in some form, I am extremely proud to represent the younger portion of an association that embodies a forward moving and dynamic approach to managing turf. Everyone at the WCTA has been so helpful since the day I first inquired about becoming a member and it's a wonderful honour to be recognized by such a developed organization. In years to come, there will be many more stu- dents that are eager to stamp their footprint in this great profession. I'm hopeful to be one of the leaders both helping my WCTA colleagues progress into the future, while also helping these up-and-coming students become contributing members to the world of turf. Thank you again for the recognition of the top WCTA student award for 2014, it is an honour to even be thought of as one of the young people who will help bring us into the unforeseen future. Sincerely, Isaac J Weintraub CGSA and WCTA Member MATTHEW EASTMAN In my final year as Bachelor of Science (Turf- grass Science) student at the University of Guelph, it is an honour to receive a WCTA Student Award in 2014. The WCTA has done an exceptional job to provide their student members with support as they work their way through their academic careers in order to further pursue their lifelong dreams in becoming a turfgrass manager. Being a University student can be a tough task person- ally and financially and because of the WCTA, it has helped their students in gaining confidence in their abilities to continue pursuing their pas- sion. All the students who receive this award are recognized for their academics and career related accomplishments and on behalf of all of us, thank you in selecting us. Respectfully submitted, Matthew Eastman BRENDAN RUTLEY Dear WCTA Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for selecting me for a 2014 WCTA scholarship award. I am hon- ored to have received this award and with seventeen applicants this year I know your decisions must have been difficult. As a full- time student any kind of financial assistance is appreciated, and it is reassuring to know that industry professionals support students and education. I would also like to thank Stan Kazymerchyk, he does so much for Kwantlen students; not only in the classroom, but also within the industry; and he is a great mentor. As a 2014 graduate from Kwantlen, I look forward to becoming involved in the turf- grass industry, and one day hope to be on the WCTA NEWS PREPARED BY WCTA STAFF 2014 WCTA STUDENT AWARD WINNERS SAY THANKS ISAAC WEINTRAUB RECEIVES TOP HONOURS FROM WCTA PRESIDENT KEITH LYALL IN THIS YEAR'S STUDENT AWARD SELECTIONS. IMAGE CREDIT JON BENJAMIN PHOTOGRAPHY IMAGE CREDIT JON BENJAMIN PHOTOGRAPHY KEITH LYALL PRESENTS 2014 WCTA STUDENT AWARD TO KPU STUDENT BRENDAN RUTLEY. IMAGE CREDIT JON BENJAMIN PHOTOGRAPHY KEITH LYALL PRESENTS 2014 WCTA STUDENT AWARD TO LANDEN HUCULAK, KWANTLEN UNIVERSITY. MATTHEW EASTMAN, GUELPH UNIVERSITY IMAGE COURTESY OF MATTHEW EASTMAN