ASAA Announces Scholarship Award Winners
Each year, thousands of volunteer teachers, coaches, and members of the school community dedicate much of their time to high school sport in Alberta. The ASAA is proud to recognize the teacher-coaches, student-athletes, and volunteers who help to make education through school sport a reality.
Huge congrats to Camryn Fossum of Lamont Jr/Sr High School, 2025 Michael Vaughan Spirit of Sport Scholarship recipient! Camryn embodies the scholarship’s ideals: multi-sport athlete, exceptional sportsmanship, leadership, and community building. The ASAA thanks her for exemplifying sportsmanship and setting the bar, and wishes her much success in post-secondary.
#SettheBar#SportsmanshipScholarship#ScholarshipRecipient#MichaelVaughanSpiritOfSport#ASAA
Huge congratulations to Jessica Hardy of Cardston High School, the female recipient of the 2025 Alberta Milk Scholarship from the ASAA!
Jessica’s essay highlights her deep commitment to athletics and healthy living. A multi-sport ASAA athlete, she’s learned that performance hinges on proper fueling and openly shares her high-performance meal plan with teammates. Jessica is taking her talents to the NAIT Ooks basketball team this fall!
The ASAA salutes Jessica for her outstanding sportsmanship, healthy habits, and for setting the bar high. We wish her every success in post-secondary.
Great news! Maddox Hagerty of Bowness High School in Calgary is the male recipient of the 2025 Alberta Milk Scholarship from the ASAA.
Maddox’s commitment to diverse sports and healthy living is inspiring. He credits his packed athletic schedule, clean diet (including 6-10 glasses of milk daily!), and consistent sleep for his academic success (97% average!) and injury-free career. He’s an outstanding example of how a healthy body supports a healthy mind, motivating teammates and setting a high bar for all.
The ASAA congratulates Maddox on this well-deserved recognition!
#AlbertaMilkScholarship #StudentAthlete #HealthyLiving #ASAA #SettheBar
Congratulations to Zoe Hodgson of Bassano School, our proud South Central Zone recipient of the 2025 John Paton Pay It Forward Scholarship from the ASAA!
Zoe perfectly embodies “paying it forward.” This exceptional student-athlete, who has qualified for numerous Provincials, consistently gives back to sport. She actively coaches girls’ volleyball and elementary basketball teams, and tirelessly referees junior high games and scorekeeps tournaments. Her dedication, reliability, and leadership are truly outstanding.
The ASAA proudly celebrates Zoe’s immense impact and inspiring efforts in her community’s sporting life!
Congratulations to McKenzie Siemens of St. Mary’s Taber, our proud South Zone recipient of the 2025 John Paton Pay It Forward Scholarship from the ASAA!
McKenzie perfectly embodies “paying it forward.” A multi-sport athlete, she’s excelled in various sports, including a 1A Provincial Volleyball Championship. Beyond playing, she’s been a standout student referee for junior high games since Grade 10, praised for her confidence and teaching skills. McKenzie also dedicates her time to coaching Grade 4-6 students in the Mini Basketball program, genuinely impacting their lives.
The ASAA proudly celebrates McKenzie’s outstanding commitment to leadership and inspiring the next generation of student-athletes!
Congratulations to McKenzie Siemens of St. Mary’s Taber, our proud South Zone recipient of the 2025 John Paton Pay It Forward Scholarship from the ASAA!
McKenzie perfectly embodies “paying it forward.” A multi-sport athlete, she’s excelled in various sports, including a 1A Provincial Volleyball Championship. Beyond playing, she’s been a standout student referee for junior high games since Grade 10, praised for her confidence and teaching skills. McKenzie also dedicates her time to coaching Grade 4-6 students in the Mini Basketball program, genuinely impacting their lives.
The ASAA proudly celebrates McKenzie’s outstanding commitment to leadership and inspiring the next generation of student-athletes!
Congratulations to McKenzie Siemens of St. Mary’s Taber, our proud South Zone recipient of the 2025 John Paton Pay It Forward Scholarship from the ASAA!
McKenzie perfectly embodies “paying it forward.” A multi-sport athlete, she’s excelled in various sports, including a 1A Provincial Volleyball Championship. Beyond playing, she’s been a standout student referee for junior high games since Grade 10, praised for her confidence and teaching skills. McKenzie also dedicates her time to coaching Grade 4-6 students in the Mini Basketball program, genuinely impacting their lives.
The ASAA proudly celebrates McKenzie’s outstanding commitment to leadership and inspiring the next generation of student-athletes!
Let’s hear it for Zoë Bourbeau of École Notre Dame High School in Bonnyville, the proud North East Zone recipient of the 2025 John Paton Pay It Forward Scholarship from the ASAA!
Zoë truly embodies the spirit of giving back. A humble, hardworking, and exceptional role model, she balances academic excellence (3.9 GPA) with top-level provincial volleyball and softball. Crucially, Zoë dedicates countless hours volunteering, running ball camps and practices for aspiring young athletes in her community.
The ASAA proudly celebrates Zoë’s incredible commitment to “paying it forward” and her inspiring leadership!
Let’s hear it for Zoë Bourbeau of École Notre Dame High School in Bonnyville, the proud North East Zone recipient of the 2025 John Paton Pay It Forward Scholarship from the ASAA!
Zoë truly embodies the spirit of giving back. A humble, hardworking, and exceptional role model, she balances academic excellence (3.9 GPA) with top-level provincial volleyball and softball. Crucially, Zoë dedicates countless hours volunteering, running ball camps and practices for aspiring young athletes in her community.
The ASAA proudly celebrates Zoë’s incredible commitment to “paying it forward” and her inspiring leadership!
Huge congrats to Gracelin Spenrath of Jasper Place High School, one of two outstanding Edmonton Metro Zone recipients of the 2025 John Paton Pay It Forward Scholarship from the ASAA!
Gracelin shines academically and athletically (Team Alberta Basketball, MVP in Flag Football & Cross Country). More impressively, she leads the Best Buddies club, inspires Unified Sports involvement, peer tutors, coaches Indigenous youth, and referees. Her leadership and ability to uplift others, even through personal challenges, are truly remarkable.
The ASAA celebrates Gracelin’s incredible commitment to “paying it forward” and her exceptional leadership in sport and community!
A huge cheer for Brynn Von Kuster of Bentley High School, the proud Central Zone recipient of the 2025 John Paton Pay It Forward Scholarship from the ASAA!
Brynn is a true leader, praised by her coaches as a diligent student and natural captain across multiple sports. Beyond her athletic and academic excellence, she actively volunteers coaching youth, embodying the “pay it forward” spirit.
The ASAA congratulates Brynn on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates her leadership in sport!
A huge round of applause for Tammy Nguyen of Father Lacombe High School, a proud recipient of the 2025 John Paton Pay It Forward Scholarship from the ASAA!
Tammy truly embodies this scholarship’s spirit of giving back. Her school chaplain praises her as the “heart of the Chaplaincy program,” highlighting her unwavering commitment to serving others and inspiring her community. Tammy’s dedication shines through her leadership in spiritual life and active promotion of school clubs.
The ASAA congratulates Tammy on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates her profound leadership!
Huge congrats to Emma Faith of Saint Francis High School in Calgary, a 2025 John Paton Pay It Forward Scholarship recipient from the ASAA!
Emma truly embodies the scholarship’s spirit of giving back. Praised by her referee for her natural leadership, integrity, and exceptional work ethic at Level Up Camps, she consistently goes “above and beyond.” Her dedication to guiding and encouraging others in sport shines through.
The ASAA applauds Emma for her incredible commitment to “paying it forward” and her exemplary leadership!
#JohnPatonScholarship #PayItForward #StudentAthlete #ASAA #VolunteerInSport #SetTheBar
The ASAA Sportsmanship Committee is delighted to announce the winners of our Set The Bar Year-round initiative! We extend our warmest congratulations to the exceptional athletes, officials, and coaches who have consistently demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and embodied the true spirit of athletic excellence throughout the year.
Coach Recognition: AJ Bergenhenengouwen (South Zone)
The ASAA Sportsmanship Committee is pleased to recognize St. Mary’s AD and Coach, AJ Bergenhenengouwen, for his outstanding dedication to sportsmanship and fair play.
AJ has been a teacher at St. Mary’s in Taber, Alberta, for 13 years. During his time there, he has filled the roles of teacher, athletic director, coach, and mentor to hundreds of students. While supporting all of the teams at St. Mary’s, he has most recently been coaching in basketball, badminton, and track & field. AJ is the current director of male athletics in the South Zone of the ASAA, is a commissioner in both basketball and volleyball, and has hosted or been a part of many school and zone tournaments. Notably, AJ has also hosted four ASAA provincial championships in both volleyball and basketball!
While his extensive involvement and commitment to the South Zone of the ASAA are truly amazing, he is being nominated specifically because of his character and approach to athletics. AJ is well known in his community and across the zone as someone with a quiet and compassionate demeanor, which perfectly complements his enthusiasm for sport and dedication to his athletes. AJ carries himself in such a way that he stands as an example to other coaches and athletic directors.
Congratulations on this well-deserved award, AJ! We are proud to have you as an ASAA Coach and AD, and we thank you for consistently setting the bar high.
#SetTheBar#SportsmanshipRecognition#Coaches#ASAA
The ASAA Sportsmanship Committee is delighted to announce the winners of our Set The Bar Year-round initiative! We extend our warmest congratulations to the exceptional athletes, officials, and coaches who have consistently demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and embodied the true spirit of athletic excellence throughout the year.
Official Recognition: Michael Hargas (Edmonton Metro Zone)
We are honored to recognize Michael Hargas from the Edmonton Metro Zone as an official who truly exemplifies the spirit and standards of ASAA’s Set the Bar initiative through his outstanding commitment to officiating rugby across Alberta.
Michael’s dedication to improving the quality and consistency of officiating is evident in every match he oversees. More than just enforcing the rules, Michael prioritizes education, respect, and open communication with athletes and coaches alike. What sets Michael apart is his ability to create a respectful and approachable environment on the field. He builds genuine connections with athletes, encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding. He recently officiated the Edmonton Metro Division 1 Rugby 7s Final between Sturgeon and Strathcona, where both teams’ captains expressed sincere gratitude for the way he handled the game—with fairness, clarity, and mutual respect.
Michael never belittles or talks down to players or coaches. Instead, he brings a calm, confident presence and an ever-present smile, maintaining control through professionalism rather than authority. Athletes trust his decision-making and appreciate his willingness to explain calls and offer insight when asked. He truly enhances the integrity of the sport and represents the best of what high school athletics should stand for. Michael Hargas does more than just officiate—he elevates the game. It is with great pride that we recognize him for ASAA’s Set the Bar.
#SetTheBar#SportsmanshipRecognition#Officials#ASAA
The ASAA Sportsmanship Committee is delighted to announce the winners of our Set The Bar Year-round initiative! We extend our warmest congratulations to the exceptional athletes, officials, and coaches who have consistently demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and embodied the true spirit of athletic excellence throughout the year.
Athlete Recognition: Keelin Prior and Dom Stewart (North West Zone)
We are especially thrilled to recognize Keelin Prior and Dom Stewart from the North West Zone as winners of the Set The Bar Year-round initiative!
Both Keelin and Dom have played rugby since Grade 9. They are truly excellent teammates, always stepping up to help out wherever needed and often offering without even being asked. They consistently demonstrate respect towards opponents, coaches, and officials, and their great sportsmanship makes them fantastic role models for Charles Spencer and the sport of rugby. These two were instrumental in their team’s success this season, and we thank them for their efforts and for continually representing Charles Spencer and the North West Zone to the highest standard.
#SetTheBar#SportsmanshipRecognition#StudentAthletes#ASAA
Peace Wapiti (Rugby 7s, 3A Girls)
Setting the Bar High: Congratulations, Peace Wapiti Rugby 7s!
The Peace Wapiti 3A Girls Rugby 7s team consistently displayed outstanding sportsmanship, playing with heart and respecting every opponent. They remained positive, supportive, and gracious through every match, truly setting a great example for all. You embody the spirit of fair play and teamwork!
#settingthebar#sportsmanship#teamwork#integrity#grit#determination#congratulations
#Rugby#ASAA#highschoolrugby#thankyouathletes
Westmount Charter (Rugby 7s, 3A Boys)
Integrity in Every Play: Well Done, Westmount Charter Rugby 7s!
The Westmount Charter 3A Boys Rugby 7s team stood out for their respectful and supportive behavior both on and off the field. With genuine encouragement for all and a constant positive attitude, your commitment to fair play and teamwork made you a pleasure to compete with. Congratulations on setting such a high standard!
#settingthebar#sportsmanship#teamwork#integrity#grit#determination#congratulations
#Rugby#ASAA#highschoolrugby#thankyouathletes
Catholic Central (Rugby 7s, 4A Girls)
Champions of Character: Hats Off to Catholic Central Rugby 7s!
A huge shout-out to the Catholic Central 4A Girls Rugby 7s team! Your exceptional sportsmanship shone through as you encouraged not only teammates but also competitors, creating an incredibly positive and inclusive environment. Humble in victory and gracious in every moment, you are a true example of what sportsmanship should be.
#settingthebar#sportsmanship#teamwork#integrity#grit#determination#congratulations
#Rugby#ASAA#highschoolrugby#thankyouathletes
Charles Spencer (Rugby 7s, 4A Boys)
Respect Beyond the Game: Cheers to Charles Spencer Rugby 7s!
Congratulations to the Charles Spencer 4A Boys Rugby 7s team! Your enthusiastic and uplifting cheering set the tone for a positive competition, and your consistent respect for officials, scorekeepers, and volunteers exemplified true sportsmanship. You created a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone involved!
#settingthebar#sportsmanship#teamwork#integrity#grit#determination#congratulations
#Rugby#ASAA#highschoolrugby#thankyouathletes
Highwood (Rugby 15s, 3A Girls)
The True Spirit of Rugby: Thank You, Highwood High School!
To the Highwood 3A Girls Rugby 15s team: you’re simply a fun team to compete against and be around! Your positive attitude, even after tough games, and your coach’s dedication to rugby’s culture truly shine through. You play with laser focus within the laws of the game and remain composed, setting an incredible example for all.
#settingthebar#sportsmanship#teamwork#integrity#grit#determination#congratulations
#Rugby#ASAA#highschoolrugby#thankyouathletes
Strathmore (Rugby 15s, 3A Boys)
Beyond the Scoreboard: Salute to Strathmore Rugby 15s!
Kudos to the Strathmore 3A Boys Rugby 15s team! Your willingness to compete through the 4A competition demonstrated incredible dedication. With coaches as great role models and players who clearly enjoyed the event despite tough games, you showed remarkable character and sportsmanship.
#settingthebar#sportsmanship#teamwork#integrity#grit#determination#congratulations
#Rugby#ASAA#highschoolrugby#thankyouathletes
Lloydminster Comp (Rugby 15s, 4A Girls)
Grace in Defeat: Unforgettable Sportsmanship from Lloydminster Comp!
An incredible display of sportsmanship from the Lloydminster Comp 4A Girls Rugby 15s team! Even after a tough loss, every single player congratulated their opponents, shared positive feedback, and wished them luck. Your graciousness and positivity were truly remarkable and left a lasting impression on everyone.
#settingthebar#sportsmanship#teamwork#integrity#grit#determination#congratulations
#Rugby#ASAA#highschoolrugby#thankyouathletes
Lindsay Thurber (Rugby 15s, 4A Boys)
Exemplary Conduct: Bravo, Lindsay Thurber Rugby 15s!
To the Lindsay Thurber 4A Boys Rugby 15s team: your gentlemanly play and excellent sportsmanship are commendable! You showed immense respect for the competition and your opponents, exhibiting great control of emotions even in very physical games. Your integrity on the field truly sets the bar.
#settingthebar#sportsmanship#teamwork#integrity#grit#determination#congratulations
#Rugby#ASAA#highschoolrugby#thankyouathletes
