2017 Al Hamilton Scholarship Award now accepting applications

(Edmonton, AB) -The Edmonton Oilers Alumni Association announced today that they are now accepting applications for their annual Al Hamilton Scholarship Award. Applications for this prestigious recognition will be accepted until July 15, 2017. High school students and prospective university or college students in Northern Alberta are eligible to apply. Named after the first captain in Oilers history, Al Hamilton, who wore the 'C' for four seasons in the World Hockey Association (WHA), Hamilton excelled as a defenceman and leader. The Al Hamilton Scholarship Award is awarded annually to a student from Northern Alberta who excels in academics, athletics and community service. This year, there are two scholarships available for two deserving students. The value of each scholarship is $2,000 per school year to a maximum of four (4) years, equating to $8,000.

The Edmonton Oilers Alumni Association is made up of passionate Oilers Alumni who share in an ongoing commitment to the community. Complementing this goal, the Al Hamilton Scholarship Award is committed to providing deserving students the opportunity to pursue higher education. This prestigious award not only represents the class and generosity of the Oilers Alumni member it is named after, but epitomizes the mandate of the Edmonton Oilers Alumni Association to support community initiatives and give back.
When Hamilton's #3 Oilers jersey was retired, the Edmonton Oilers Alumni Association created the scholarship in his name and it has since helped many deserving students further their education. When Hamilton selects the two successful candidates, the students' scholastic effort is important, but so is their overall character, their involvement in sports or other extracurricular activities and their level of need.

"I encourage all eligible students to apply because we've had some fantastic kids receive this award and to this day at the arena, I'll have people come up to me and tell me that they won 20 years ago and how much it helped them," said Hamilton. "When you see that you've helped people move along in life it's amazing and they always pay it forward and begin to give back to the community themselves.
"That's what this scholarship is all about, people helping people and our community becoming more enriched by young people following their academic goals and dreams."
In 2015, Morgan Strynadka received the honour and has been keeping busy at the University of Alberta as a full-time student and member of the University of Alberta's Synchronized Swimming Team, and has even taken up coaching the sport as well.
To apply, candidates must send in the completed application form alongside their most recent report card, a 500-word essay on why the candidate believes they deserve the scholarship and two letters of recommendation.