After showing perseverance and overcoming adversity, three students from the Columbia Basin obtain financial support to advance their academic aspirations. Adam Doskoch of Trail, Roah Levy of Nelson and Michelle Moses of Robson will each receive $3,300 from the Neil Muth Memorial Scholarship to support their studies.

The scholarship was established in 2017 to honor Neil Muth, President and CEO of the Columbia Basin Trust from 2005 to 2016, who died in November 2016. Neil valued and supported perseverance and continuous learning. He encouraged his children, his staff and others to be curious, to find their own way and to never give up.

“People like Adam, Roah and Michelle show how you can find your way despite the difficulties that may come your way,” said Cathy Muth, Neil’s wife. “We commend them, past recipients of this scholarship, others who have shared their stories with us, and all who have faced adversity, for showing perseverance and courage. We welcome the opportunity to help students achieve their goals when it comes to shaping their lives now and in the future, while impacting other people and their communities in the process.

The scholarship is awarded by the Muth family, administered by the Trust and made possible through generous donations from family, friends, local governments and organisations.

Adam Doskoch is currently entering his third year at the University of Calgary, aiming to complete a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering combined with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance – a goal that is expected to take about six years in total. Next summer, he would like to do an engineering internship somewhere in the Basin if possible. He realizes that his journey will not be an easy task, but he is sure that he will persevere through all difficulties and stay focused on his goal. He enjoys learning because it gives him the opportunity to acquire knowledge and new perspectives on life, in addition to allowing him to benefit the community in which he lives.

“Growing up in the Kootenays, my heart is here in the Basin, and after my educational journey, my goal is to return to the area and find employment in my engineering discipline,” Adam said.

“This will allow me to deepen my experience and knowledge of the engineering field, with the ultimate goal of obtaining my title of professional engineer. This scholarship will make a difference by allowing me to focus primarily on finishing my studies, as well as giving me the extra time to join a college club which will also deepen my educational experience. I would like to thank the Muth family for the opportunity to receive this scholarship, as it will allow me to pursue my passion for lifelong learning.

Growing up in Nelson, Roah Levy truly enjoyed a life filled with adventure and close friendships, as well as watching the city grow and change. She is now excited to leave, get an education, and come back so she can appreciate him even more from an adult perspective. She is on her way to Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo for the heavy equipment operator program. Upon completion, she intends to work in the outdoor adventure tourism industry in the West Kootenay in operations.

“I will miss this beautiful community and my family,” Roah said. “However, I’m excited to have new adventures and professional certification under my belt, so I’m ready for my future. I’m also looking forward to entering a field of work with such a low percentage of women. to help demonstrate to young women that anyone can do any job. If this excites you, it’s worth doing. Thanks to the Muth family for awarding me the Neil Muth scholarship. I will honor this opportunity with effort and enthusiasm.

After 12 years working in the hospitality industry, Michelle Moses realized she wanted to better her life and enrolled in Selkirk College’s Law and Justice program in 2021. After exceeding her own expectations, winning awards of excellence in five of her courses and finishing first year with a 4.14 average, Michelle will return to Selkirk to complete the final year of the program to earn a liberal arts degree. Once she graduates, she hopes to continue her journey in research and historical archiving – a passion she discovered through a summer job – and start working to improve the situation of Indigenous women and girls. missing and murdered.

“If someone had told me two years ago that I would be where I am today, I would have laughed,” Michelle said. “Taking action to improve my life and applying to college at the age of 28 was a tough decision to make, but a year later I can’t even begin to express how proud I am of ‘choosing to do this for myself. I am so grateful to the Neil Muth family for making this journey possible, as well as to my own family, friends, instructors and new mentors for continually providing me with such incredible support and motivation. I can honestly say that I don’t know where I would be right now without you all by my side.

Columbia Basin Trust supports the ideas and efforts of people in the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives and how it helps bring social, economic and environmental benefits to the basin, visit ourtrust.org or call 1-800-505-8998.