The Winkler Community Foundation has named Allyssa Alegro as the 2025 recipient of the 'Make It a Reality Award', a four-year, $25,000 scholarship funded through the Gordon Wiebe Education Fund.
That award is part of a larger commitment to youth in the region. This year, the Foundation will distribute over $130,000 in scholarships to students from Winkler and nearby communities.
Academic, but also community-driven
A Grade 12 student at Northlands Parkway Collegiate, Alegro was selected for her strong academic record, volunteer work, and work ethic. Her high grades have earned her direct entry into the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba.
One of her teachers noted that, “She is one of the hardest workers I’ve come across in my teaching career.”
She also tutors fellow students in English and Chemistry, volunteers at Salem Home, and is active as a youth leader at the Filipino United Church—all while working 20 hours a week.
One of her co-workers described her as someone who handles it all “with confidence and discipline,” adding, “Integrity is one of her biggest traits; she is someone who can be always trusted to do the right thing.”
The moment of truth
Alegro learned she had received the scholarship on what she described as a rough day.
"I was actually in my family studies class, and I was really having a hard day that day because I just lost my AirPods... And then all of a sudden I see the email pop up, and then I kind of gasp and then my friend's like, 'What's going on?' And then I show her..."
It worked out in the end, though, as later that same day, Alegro did find her missing AirPods.
A standout candidate
Alegro was chosen from 16 applicants for the 'Make It a Reality Award', with five finalists were interviewed by the selection committee.
One of the Foundation Directors—Tena Lane—said all of their finalists were very strong in their own unique ways, but ultimately, “It came down to one quality that was identified by references—grit... She is a resilient, hardworking, kind, respectful young woman who's going to do great things.”
Related stories:
- How to celebrate Pay It Forward May in the Pembina Valley: Easy acts of kindness for 2025
- Central Community Homes kicks off 50/50 raffle to support affordable housing
What’s next for Allyssa?
Allyssa plans to study general science at the University of Manitoba with the goal of entering medical school. She hopes to return to Winkler to practise medicine in the future, as well as coming back for the summers to work in the clinic or Boundary Trails Health Centre.
She says her interest in medicine started early, shaped by her own family’s health challenges and inspired by her sister, who is a nurse.
"Right now, I’m healthy, but later on it's gonna change... so I kind of wanted to find a way around that, especially with family history."
Accessible higher education
The Gordon Wiebe Education Fund was created in 2015 with a $2.2 million bequest. The goal was to help local youth pursue higher education, especially those facing financial or social barriers.
"There are barriers, right, when you have to live away from home or no one in your family has ever gone to university... Are we empowering young people in our community? Yes," said Foundation President Barb Neufeld.
Tena Lane added that Alegro will have a strong support system in Winnipeg and Winkler, noting that is a strong factor in student success.
The Foundation has also recently launched a new award stream in partnership with Red River College Polytechnic, aimed at supporting students in part-time programs.