In Case You Missed It...

As posted yesterday (see below), Hanna S has just been announced as a recipient of a 2010 IDTANA Scholarship. In case you missed it last summer (PRE-PickettLine Blog!), Michael Y was a recipient of a 2009 IDTANA Scholarship. (This was announced on the blog back in October 2009, but it bears repeating here!) Michael and Hanna both have the distinction of being the only dancers from a Western Canadian Irish dance school to be awarded an IDTANA Scholarship in 2009 and 2010, out of nearly 200 applicants from across North America both years.

Michael graduated from McMath Secondary School last year with an abundance of awards. He was the recipient of multiple honours from McMath: Student Council Scholarship, Principal's Honour Roll Award, Drafting and Design Award, and a McMath Service Award for 60+ hours of volunteer service to his school. He was also honoured to be awarded the Rick Hansen Leadership Award, for his outstanding contributions and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

UBC awarded Michael a President's Entrance Scholarship for his entrance average above 86%. At the 2009 NPIDA Ceili, Michael was a co-winner of the Garlene Pickett Memorial Scholarship for his outstanding dedication and passion for Irish dance. He has also contributed many hours of volunteer service in the community and with his church over the past several years.

Michael has successfully completed his first year of full-time General Arts studies at UBC. He plans to transfer to Environmental Design (a pre-Architecture program) in 3rd year. During his first year at UBC, he also found time to attend frequent practises for the 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremonies, which he and his sister Lisa both participated in.

Michael has had an illustrious career in competitive Irish dance! He quickly advanced to Open Championships and has qualified for the World Championships multiple times. At the 2009 North American Championships last July, Michael received a $500. IDTANA scholarship (top photo, left, with Nora). A few months earlier, he won a recall medal at the 2009 World Championships in Philadelphia, placing 16th overall in U-18 Mens. Two months ago at the 2010 World Championships in Glasgow, he again won a recall medal, placing 18th in U-19 Mens.

Michael is currently training for the 2010 North American Championships next month in Orlando Florida. Good luck Michael, and once again our congratulations on your 2009 IDTANA Scholarship!