Cambridge, ON – the OHA is proud to partner with Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) to present the Bursary Program, which recognizes OHA members for their outstanding commitment to:
- Community service: the applicant demonstrates “perseverance, originality and heart,” while assisting in building stronger and healthier communities
- Academics: dedication to their studies and attaining high grades in the classroom
- Athletics: on-ice success/achievement, as well as a passion for the game of hockey
Eight (8) DFO Bursaries will be awarded at $6,000 each.
To apply for the 2023 Bursary Program click here
One of the 2022 Bursary winners is Blenheim-native Blain Bacik.
Watch Blaine’s 2022 bursary winner highlight video here
For hockey players, the trackback is seldom long.
“My Dad – he was the one who wanted to play hockey the most,” said Bacik, 18, a defenceman for the Chatham Marrons of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.
“My whole family has a big hockey background.”
And a studious one.
Blain’s father Scott is an educator and school administrator who was an assistant captain and played five years of University hockey with the Windsor Lancers.
At the Bacik house school and hockey share priorities – with an added sense of community responsibility.
“With hockey I get pretty busy sometimes, and even outside of hockey,” said Bacik, who is one of six recipients in the Dairy Farmers of Ontario Bursary Program, providing the 90-plus per cent former high schooler a comfortable introduction to the next level of academics.
“Getting school work done is usually the priority.”
Bacik scored 22 points in 41 regular season games with the Maroons this season as team captain.
Getting into the larger community in Southern Ontario to help mentor younger athletes or help the less fortunate by serving meals is perspective that has been a win-win.
“I’ve helped out my Mom’s work a lot,” said Bacik, who is from Blenheim, just the down the road from Chatham in one direction, while dad Scott’s home area of Porky’s Corner sits just to the West.
“Her work does a lot of meals – and stuff – for people around the community. Whether that’s making the food, or handing it out, or even cleaning up.
“Some people just aren’t as fortunate. It makes me happy to help other people out,” said Bacik.
An aspiring engineer in the St. Clair College Civil Engineering program, Bacik received the $8,000 Bursary to help out for what’s next.
“Going to post-secondary has always been a goal of mine. “
How to Apply for the 2023 Bursary Program
Candidates must complete the application form and submit it to the OHA by 8 p.m. on May 1, 2023. Each application will be reviewed by a panel and only the successful recipients will be contacted by the OHA. We wish the best of luck to all applicants.
To apply click here
