Sturgeon County Council presented Alynne Dostie and Brett Majeau with the Dale MacMillan Memorial Scholarship for Community Leadership at its July 16 Council meeting.
The award is presented to a County resident enrolled in a recognized post-secondary institution who also practises community leadership and involvement.
In 2024, two scholarships worth $2,000 each were awarded through the Sand and Gravel Community Enhancement Fund.
“Recipients of the Dale MacMillan scholarship are leaders in our community making a positive impact,” said Mayor Alanna Hnatiw. “Their pursuit of post-secondary education and community service is commended, and honours Dale MacMillan’s legacy. We are proud to recognize their tremendous efforts that are helping strengthen the community.”
The Recipients
Alynne Dostie is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science degree program, majoring in Chemistry, at the University of Alberta. She is finishing her eighth year in 4-H serving as vice president. Dostie’s past volunteer work includes supporting recreational programs at West Country Hearth senior’s facility and editing the Rivière Qui Barre history book.
Brett Majeau is pursuing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree through Yorkville University while working in neuropsychology services at Alberta Hospital Edmonton.As a long-standing member of the Calahoo community, she has volunteered with Sturgeon County Emergency Services at the Calahoo station, was an active member of the West Sturgeon Agricultural Society, and was Sturgeon County’s 2018 Volunteer of the Year.
Majeau had the chance to get to know Dale MacMillan while growing up in Calahoo.
“Dale was an inspiration. From him, I learned the value of community. I learned how to become active in volunteering and advocate for others in need,” said Majeau. “Dale was an amazing man with a positive outlook on life.”
Eventually, Majeau would like to use her degree to help her community by expanding the counselling services that she offers and continuing to volunteer.
“I enjoy getting to know my neighbours, contributing to a cause, and supporting others,” she said.
For Dostie, it is an honour to be chosen for the award that has such a strong focus on volunteerism.
“Fostering connections in a community through volunteerism is fulfilling and gratifying,” she said.
She has some advice for young Sturgeon County residents thinking about volunteering: “Everyone starts somewhere, and small, casual acts of community service are fundamental to community connection.”
In the future, Dostie would like to work in pharmacy in Sturgeon County helping the community.
About the Scholarship
Dale MacMillan was instrumental in helping achieve a balance between residents and gravel extraction operations in the Calahoo and Villeneuve areas. The scholarship recognizes his commitment to community involvement.
The Sand and Gravel Advisory Committee ensures the sustainability of the scholarship fund, evaluates the applications, and selects the recipients. Applications are accepted in early April until the end of May.
More information on timelines and eligibility for the Dale MacMillan Scholarship for Community Leadership is available through the Grants & Scholarships page on the Sturgeon County’s website.
