RELEASE: 2020 Al Hamilton Scholarship Award now accepting applications

EDMONTON, AB -The Edmonton Oilers Alumni group is now accepting applications for the Al Hamilton Scholarship Award, a prestigious scholarship that is awarded annually to students from Northern Alberta who excel 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. Applications for this award will be accepted until June 5, 2020. High school students and prospective university or college students in Northern Alberta are eligible to apply.

Al Hamilton, the first captain in Oilers history, wore the 'C' for four seasons in the World Hockey Association (WHA) and excelled as a defenceman and leader. When Hamilton's #3 Oilers jersey was retired, the scholarship was created in his name and it has since helped many deserving students further their education. When selecting the two successful candidates, the students' scholastic effort is important to Hamilton, but so is their overall character, their involvement in sports or other extracurricular activities and their commitment to bettering their community.

The Oilers Alumni are dedicated to community building in the Edmonton area, acting as advocates for numerous local charitable causes and participating in a broad spectrum of community events. The Al Hamilton Scholarship provides a unique opportunity to foster the pursuit of excellence in youth in our community by allowing them to pursue higher education opportunities.

"Each year, the applicants impress me with the amount of work they do in the community, in addition to their scholarly and athletic commitments," said Hamilton. "The Scholarship has continued to be very important to myself and my fellow Oilers Alumni to foster leadership in our recipients." The youth in Oil Country continue to show us how one person can have a big impact and enrich the community around them."

Last year, the Al Hamilton Scholarship was awarded to two incredibly bright students, Andy Deprato and Cassidy Harke, both of Edmonton, AB. Both students have been very active in their communities, in addition to their academic pursuits.

Andy Deprato is attending the University of Alberta in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Outside of his studies, he excels in hockey and long distance running and is an active member of the community. Andy founded the Capilano Community Academic Commitee, an initiative in which he provides tutoring services at low or non-existent rates for students struggling in the area.

"It is an immense honour to be chosen as a recipient of the Al Hamilton scholarship, and I am boundlessly thankful to all those who have allowed me to achieve this commendation," said Deprato.

Cassidy Harke has created significant positive impacts on her community, prominently with children and students through academic assistance. Cassidy also participated in a humanitarian trip to Belize with Sherwood Parks Interact Club, and helped build a playground for hundreds of young students. When she isn't committing herself to academics and volunteering initiatives, Cassidy is an active athlete and competitive cheerleader. She is pursuing General Sciences at the University of Alberta, in hopes of becoming a surgeon.

"Receiving this scholarship means so much more than words can describe because it enables me to continue pursuing my goal of becoming a surgeon and positively impacting the lives of others," said Harke.

To apply, candidates must complete the online application form and include their most recent high school transcript, a 500-word essay on why the candidate believes they deserve the scholarship and two letters of recommendation. Complete details for the Al Hamilton Scholarship can be found at the following links:

For more information, please visit EdmontonOilers.com/AlHamiltonScholarship.