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Alice & Alexander Barnhill Scholarship Fund

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Diamonds in the Rough

"Four years ago, money was donated to the Lethbridge Community Foundation to support scholarships in the name of my parents, Alice and Alexander Barnhill," said Dr. Al Barnhill of Lethbridge. "The purpose of the scholarships was to give something back to the community in which three generations of the family had lived, worked and prospered; and to support higher education an investment in our youth, our future."

The Barnhill Scholarships were intended not for high academic achievers, but rather for students who for whatever reasons notably personal obstacles and challenges have not reached their full academic potential. "I see them as diamonds in the rough," said Barnhill, "students of great intrinsic value who aspire to higher education and making social contributions. These rare gems are hidden. Like diamonds, they have to be discovered and 'dug out' by teachers, counselors and staff of the high schools."

One entered high school using a second language
A provincial wrestling champion stayed in school while working to support himself and two younger siblings, after their mother, who had overcome cancer, died of a heart attack.
A legally blind student was twice named captain of the high school basketball team.
A Métis church youth leader was captain of the soccer team, a champion long distance runner and wrestler, and an ardent volunteer.
Another outstanding student met the challenges of assisting a disabled mother and a brother with severe addiction problems.

Applicants are evaluated based on criteria related to character, including extra curricular activities, community involvement/social responsibility, personal circumstances and aspirations, as well as academic performance. This past year's five recipients proved that they were strong enough to withstand the harsh realities of life and cope with the challenges ahead. All have persevered through difficult situations:

"These young people are treasures. They are diamonds hard, strong, and starting to sparkle. Like diamonds, they not only have to be found, they need to be mined and processed before their full value is realized. That is where higher education may help to cut, polish, and refine these young gems. All five are now enrolled in institutions of higher education. They are on their way to meeting further challenges and contributing to our society."

From LCF Report to the Community 2003

Dr. Al Barnhill with two scholarship recipients