The memory of District 5040 Governor 2020-21 Dave Hamilton, who passed away while serving as Governor in 2021, lives on with the awarding of the Dave Hamilton Service Above Self Bursary to the first recipient, Alice Pu, of Tsawwassen.
The new bursary is offered annually to young people planning a post-secondary career in the Rotary Family throughout communities in Rotary District 5040, from Greater Vancouver up the coast to Prince Rupert. It was fitting that Alice, as the first recipient among a number of talented nominees, happens to live in Tsawwassen because Dave Hamilton was a member of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen. The bursary of $1,000 supports a graduating student who takes post-secondary education at an academic institution or trade school. The Delta Community Foundation administers the endowment which generates the annual funding for the bursary.
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| Alice Pu receives the first Dave Hamilton Service Above Self Bursary from Past District Governor John Anderson and Past Tsawwassen Rotary President Blake Cowan |
Former member of the Delta School District, several years board chair, Laura Dixon, a Tsawwassen Rotary member, reports that Alice Pu has been admitted to UBC's Applied Biology Program. She hopes to become a Veterinarian and go on to become board certified in ophthalmology.
Alice's record of service is extensive and includes Interact, Student Council, team head for Marksmanship Air Cadets and she is a first responder at school where she enjoys giving "effective care and education on every call".
Alice has spent six years in Air Cadets, achieving the highest level of responsibility and standing possible. Her Training and Commanding Officer says she stands out amongst her peers and describes her as "rare and unique" because of her "remarkable leadership and generosity of her time."
Her languages teacher at South Delta Secondary School, in Tsawwassen, for the past three years says Alice is "one of the most motivated, driven and passionate students she has ever come across." Alice has achieved 99% in AP Calculus, and AP Chemistry and 100% in AP English (while English is a new language to her), AP Physics Honours, Anatomy and Physiology and Law 12 and her two other grade 12 courses.
Alice is described this way by her Principal, Terry Ainge: "In my thirty-four years in education, I count Alice among the students for whom I have the highest regard."
Alice has been as busy as ever between graduation and moving on to university, and has spent her summer training at flight school for her pilot's licence, which she just received.
Congratulations, Alice, from Rotary District 5040 clubs in BC for receiving the first Dave Hamilton Service Above Self Bursary.