Merritt Herald Repost: Merritt student wins $44K scholarship
A Merritt Secondary student is heading to university this fall with a major financial boost and a message of perseverance.
While in drama class earlier this spring, rehearsing for the school play, Grade 12 student Francisco Garcia received a surprise email that changed everything. He had been selected as a recipient of the Beedie Luminaries scholarship—an award worth up to $44,000 over four years.
“I had to read it over two or three times just to make sure it was real,” he recalled. “My friends were right there. We were all really excited.”
The Beedie Luminaries program, created by Vancouver businessman Ryan Beedie, supports resilient B.C. students who have faced life challenges but are determined to pursue post-secondary education. This year’s scholarship came as a huge relief for the student and his family.
“I’ve been working since the beginning of the year to save up for university. I’ll be renting, I have to pay for food, tuition—everything adds up,” Garcia said. “This really takes off the financial burden.”
His post-secondary path will take him to UBC Okanagan, where he plans to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science with a focus on computer graphics and digital media. A longtime passion for animation has guided his academic interests.
“Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of opening an animation studio,” Garcia said. “This scholarship gives me the chance to take a big step toward that goal.”
He learned about the opportunity from Merritt Secondary academic advisor Nicole Thompson, who encouraged him to apply. The application process included essays and a video, something Garcia was particularly excited about.
“I love editing and making videos, so that part really drew me in,” he said. “I chose to connect with the value of creativity, which felt really natural.”
In one of his essays, he addressed the concept of resilience. Having immigrated to Canada from Mexico nearly three years ago, he spoke candidly about the experience of adjusting to a new country, culture, and language and how that shaped his character.
Since arriving in Merritt, he’s made a point of getting involved. He started a Spanish club, joined the drama program and badminton team, and helped organize school and community events through the We Care volunteering club. From canned food drives to Christmas dinners, he’s looked for ways to contribute.
“Being involved helped me meet people and feel connected,” he said.
He also credits several teachers for helping him along the way. Shannon Dunn, his art teacher, welcomed him on his very first day of school. Meg O’Donovan, his English teacher, offered consistent support to his family, even donating a spare computer to help them navigate immigration paperwork.
“That really meant a lot to us,” he said. “It helped start our process for permanent residency. I’ll never forget it.”
To other students considering scholarship applications, he encourages persistence and courage.
“At first, I was intimidated by the process. I thought, ‘what if I’m not good enough?’ But my parents gave me the push I needed, and I’m really glad I followed through,” he said. “Even if you’re unsure, just go for it. You never know what might happen.”
As he prepares for his first semester at UBCO, he says he’s grateful and ready to keep building on the hard work that brought him here.
“I’m really thankful for this opportunity,” he said. “It’s going to make a big difference.”
