Kitscoty RCMP scholarship remembers lost cadet; awards two $1000 bursaries

Image Kitscoty RCMP: Left to right: Cst Daniel Brown, Cooper Saville, Director of Protective Services, Kirk Hughes, Sarah Leighton, and Cst. Jordan O’Quinn.

A scholarship honouring a friend and cadet who had passed away while training to become an RCMP officer was awarded to two graduating students from the Lakeland area.

Kitscoty RCMP Cst. Daniel Brown launched a one-off scholarship in memory of his friend Kevin Audet, to support students as they pursue college and university. 

The two $1000 bursaries were aimed at academics and athletic achievement, and were presented at Kitscoty Jr/Sr. High School last Monday.

The recipient of the fitness scholarship was Cooper Saville from Marwayne Jubilee School, and the academic scholarship to Sarah Leighton from Kitscoty Jr/Sr High School. 

“I would like to start by thanking Cadet Audet’s family, who were instrumental in making this happen, by allowing us to honor a dear friend,” said Cst. Daniel Brown of the Kitscoty RCMP Detachment. 

“I am happy his memory has allowed two promising students to receive a scholarship aimed at helping them develop future success. I once again want to thank all those who partnered with us to make this happen.” 

The scholarship took a ton of community support and involvement to make a reality, as donations made up the funds used for this scholarship, and help from Buffalo Trail Public Schools also were sought.

The Alberta RCMP Fitness and Wellness department was enlisted to safely administer the RCMP Fitness Assessment, which was used to determine which student would win the bursary for the fitness scholarship.

“I can safely say that our community is full of giving people and businesses who truly want you, the students, to succeed,” said Kirk Hughes, Director of Protective Services in Vermilion River County.

“The support we received while seeking partners for this scholarship was almost overwhelming.”