Congratulations to all 28 WLCF Youth Award Winners for 2026

The Williams Lake Community Forest is pleased to support local students with their pursuit of knowledge through the 2026 WLCF Youth Awards.

Congratulations to the 2026 WLCF Youth Award Winners
Congratulations to the 2026 WLCF Youth Award Winners
Hi, I’m Caitlin Tugnum. I will be attending the University of Northern British Columbia in the fall of 2026 to begin my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. When I’m not attending school you can find me at a rodeo.
Hi! My name is Jenna Hunt, and I am currently in the Primary Care Paramedic program at the Justice Institute of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus, completing my studies in early 2027. Outside of class, I serve as a volunteer with Central Cariboo Search and Rescue and am continuing my volunteer work with Vernon Search and Rescue while at school. My goal is to become an Advanced Care Paramedic, serving rural communities in BC while remaining involved in search and rescue. I would like to thank the Williams Lake Community Forest for this award. Having this local encouragement makes a huge difference, and I am incredibly grateful for the support toward my tuition and goals in emergency medicine.
Ella Carson will be attending Thompson Rivers University in the Bachelor of Education program in the fall of 2026. This will be Ella’s first year in the Bachelor of Education but fourth year attending TRU. Ella has worked with youth the past 9 years in both employment and volunteer capacities. Ella has a passion for working with youth and outdoor education, enjoying the natural resources the Williams Lake Area has to offer.
Kyla has recently started a Master’s of Science in Forestry at the University of British Columbia. Partnered with High Bar First Nation, her project will use camera traps to examine how landscape disturbances, including roads, cutblocks, and recreation, influence moose habitat use and whether vegetation characteristics can buffer these impacts. Her research aims to support collaborative wildlife management and inform future conservation and land-use decisions.
Hello, my name is Jada Wood. I am a sophomore at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. I will be earning a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Employee Relations. I chose Queen’s because it offers the perfect balance of academic and athletic opportunities. During my freshman year, I was fortunate to find success and was named the Canadian U Sports Rookie of the Year for women’s hockey. I look forward to returning at the end of the summer to continue pursuing my education and hockey ambitions.
Hi there, my name is Lucia Johnston and I will be attending Thompson Rivers University this fall in my third year of Bachelor of Natural Resource Sciences. I have also obtained a diploma in Regenerative Agriculture through TRU.
I am born and raised on my family’s Ranch near 150 Mile House, so agriculture and land ecology stewardship sit near and dear to my heart. When I am not in my studies, I am working in forestry, doing agriculture wildlife field assessments, range riding and completing ranch activities. I also enjoy traveling, hiking, and high quality food. After graduation I plan to pursue two professional designations; RPF and PAg, and enter range management as well as environmental consulting. I feel very honoured to receive this grant coming from such a natural resource based community.
My name is James Moyes, I am 17 years old and worked extremely hard to graduate a year early! I will be attending Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo BC in September 2026. My area of study is going to be Bachelor of Science in Biology. I would like to say thank you for the opportunity to have this award to help me achieve my post-secondary goals!
Hi I’m Caleb Engle and I am from 150 Mile House, BC. I will begin my first year of Engineering at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in September 2026. I am excited to start my post-secondary studies and develop the skills needed for a future career in engineering. Outside of school, I enjoy being outdoors skiing or biking.
Hi, my name is Ashley Wilson I am 18 years old and have just graduated grade 12 from Lake City Secondary School in Williams Lake BC.
I have been involved in the Horsefly 4-H Club for 10 years and have participated in foods and photography projects as well as taken on the roles of Club Reporter, Vice President and currently serving my second term as President. I was born and raised in Horsefly BC with my siblings and extended family and friends, and I am a junior member of the Horsefly Volunteer Fire Department, helping out where I can.
In the Fall of 2027, I will be enrolling in the Health Care Aid course through TRU, either in Kamloops, Williams Lake or TRU Open Learning. In the meantime, I will be working locally, continuing in 4-H and this fall will be upgrading a couple classes and looking into taking my Level 3 First Aid.
Hi, my name is Anika Wallin and I am an engineering student athlete at the University of Calgary. I will be entering my third year of studies in civil engineering with a minor in biomedical engineering, as well as continuing to pursue high level cross country ski racing with the Alberta World Cup Academy. During the summers, I work in Williams Lake with the BCWS and enjoy getting out on the bike trails when I can!

 

 

My name is Alora Fraser and I will be attending Thompson Rivers University (Kamloops Campus) in the fall of 2026. I am taking a Bachelors of Science with a major in Animal Biology, my goal is to be an Equine Veterinarian.
My name is Aiden Fulton and in September 2026 I’ll be starting my second year of my Environmental Resource Tech program at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology.
I’m spending my summer working in forestry doing block layout & timber cruising, and as always, loving the outdoors.
My name is Tatiana Hill, and in Fall 2026 I will be attending Thompson River University in Kamloops to begin the Master of Environmental Science program.
I grew up in Williams Lake and, since obtaining my Bachelor of Science degree, have been working as an environmental consultant. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my pets and exploring the outdoors.
I’d like to thank the WLCF for their generous support.
My name is Rhys Vath. I’m a 2026 WLSS graduate planning on going to university to study business. In September 2026, I will be attending the Business Administration Program at Capilano University in Squamish, BC.
I am currently working at Save on Foods in Williams Lake. I have a passion for mountain biking and racing. This summer I plan on working and racing my bike. I am looking forward to going to university in the fall where I can continue to mountain bike while pursuing my career.
Hi my name is Olivia Gash, I graduated from Williams Lake in 2021. I spent four years at McGill earning a Bachelor of Arts, and graduated with that in 2025. I am currently halfway through my post degree professional program for Elementary Education with a focus in French Immersion at the University of Victoria. I will graduate and be ready to teach at the start of 2027. When not in school I love spending time outside, exploring new places, and learning new things.
Hi! My name is Nadia Wallin, and in the fall of 2026 I will be starting my first year at the University of Calgary, where I will be studying Business with the goal of becoming an accountant. Alongside my studies, I will continue pursuing my passion for high level cross-country ski racing with the Alberta World Cup Academy.
Hi I’m Jordyn Maas. I am in second year at VIU and am doing the forestry diploma program. I am studying forestry and am going to add on to get my bachelors of science, majoring in biology.
Hi my name is Joey Augustine I’m going into my 3rd year of mechanical engineering at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan.
Outside of school, I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors through hiking, intramural sports, and exploring new places. I also enjoy training with my local fire department and spending time working on my family’s ranch. I am very grateful to have received this award from Williams Lake Community Forest, and I greatly appreciate the support it provides as I continue my studies.
Charlie Gash will be attending UNBC for the Forest Management and Ecology program, and will be going into his second year (Sept 2026).
Emma Trudel is going to the University of Calgary starting in the 2026 Fall semester. She is going for a Bachelor’s Degree of Science, majoring in Environmental Sciences.
For 2026-2027 Ella Kruus will be attending her second year at York University where is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Screenwriting. She also enjoys playing music and hiking outdoors!
My name is Danny Pelchat, and in the fall of 2026 I will be returning to the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) in Merritt, British Columbia, to complete the second year of the Environmental Natural Resource Technology (ENRT) Diploma program.
As someone who has lived and worked in the Cariboo for many years, I have developed a strong appreciation for our forests, wildlife, and natural landscapes. After a career in industry, I decided to return to school to pursue my passion for natural resources and environmental stewardship.
Through the ENRT program, I am building the knowledge and skills needed for a career in forestry, conservation, and resource management. I am particularly interested in the sustainable management of British Columbia’s natural resources and in helping protect the forests, wildlife, and ecosystems that are so important to our communities.
I am honoured to receive this award and grateful to the Williams Lake Community Forest for supporting local students as they pursue their educational goals. I look forward to applying what I learn to benefit the Cariboo and the people who call it home.
Ashley Neels is attending Thompsons Rivers University- in Kamloops starting Fall 2026 in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. She loves traveling, swimming, and spending time with her family and friends. After university, Ashley is interested in working on the Labour and Delivery Unit.
In September 2026 I am entering my second year of the Architectural and Building Technology program at BCIT after previously completing BCIT’s Technical Carpentry program.
Growing up in Williams Lake gave me a strong appreciation for hard work, community, and the outdoors, and those values continue to guide me today. Over the past several years, I’ve worked in residential construction as a lead hand carpenter, and this summer I’m gaining experience in commercial construction as a Project Coordinator with Axiom Builders. My goal is to build a career in construction management by combining hands-on experience with technical knowledge.
Outside of school and work, I enjoy mountain biking, skiing, snowmobiling, and spending time outdoors.
I am incredibly grateful to the Williams Lake Community Forest for investing in local students like me and helping make my education possible. Lucas Nowotny
Olen Grady will be attending the University of Northern British Columbia in September of 2026, enrolled in Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering.
Kendon MacKinnon is a 2026 graduate from Lake City Secondary who will be attending the University of Northern British Columbia in September 2026 to begin his first year studying Business.
Kendon is excited to start this new chapter and looks forward to developing the skills and knowledge needed for a successful future in the business world.
He is grateful for the support of his family, friends, and community.
Grady Watson will be attending TRU in Kamloops starting in September 2026, studying Business Administration
My name is Isabelle McMath I am a 19-year-old student enrolled at Thompson Rivers University, where I will be pursuing a Medical Laboratory Assistant certification. I am passionate about healthcare and look forward to developing the skills needed to contribute to the medical field. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities such as camping and biking, which help me stay active and connected with nature. I value learning and personal growth.

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