EDMONTON – The Elks believe in the excellence of their Cheer Team members, on and off the field.
The Edmonton Elks and Thompson Family Foundation have announced the creation of three annual athletic scholarships to support cheer and dance athletes pursuing post-secondary education in Edmonton. These scholarships aim to recognize excellence, commitment, and community spirit, while also ensuring recipients remain active and contributing members of the Edmonton Elks Cheer Team.
“The Thompson Family Foundation is proud to support the Edmonton Elks Cheer Team as they expand their program and invest in young adult student-athletes,” Thompson Family Foundation Vice President Chelsea Philpott said. “These scholarships go beyond financial support. They encourage leadership, education, and meaningful community involvement while attracting top talent from across Canada to give back to the Edmonton community.”
The program includes the introduction of a full tuition scholarship – eligible for up to $8,000 per year with a maximum value of $32,000 – and two escalating scholarships with a value of up to $15,000 over four years of education.
An Elks Cheer Team Member volunteers their time during Read In Week
The scholarships were created to recognize the outstanding dedication, skill, and athleticism demonstrated by athletes in the sport of cheer and dance. These scholarships will be awarded to athletes who have shown exceptional commitment to their craft and are consistently pushing themselves to excel in the demanding disciplines of cheer and dance.
In addition to their athletic and academic accomplishments, scholarship recipients are expected to have demonstrated strong personal character. The list of requirements to be eligible for the scholarships include a commitment to time management, discipline, and a dedication to continuous growth. These qualities not only contribute to their achievements in cheer and dance but also set the foundation for success in future academic and professional pursuits.
The program was created to align with the Edmonton Elks priority of playing a positive role in the Edmonton community. Through the scholarships, the club aims to demonstrate their commitment to education, healthy and active lifestyles, and demonstrated support of young athletes who are passionate about their sport and personal growth.
For more information on the Cheer Team Scholarship Program, including how to apply, click here.