The Future of Veterinary Medicine
Saddle Hills County is proud to announce the award of its first Veterinary Medicine Bursaries to three promising local students pursuing careers in veterinary medicine. This year’s recipients are Kara Binette, Alyvia Crumly, and Ashlyn Bourassa, all of whom are enrolled in the Veterinary Technologist program at Northwestern Polytechnic, in Fairview.
The bursary program is part of the County’s ongoing commitment to supporting post-secondary education in veterinary medicine, with a particular focus on encouraging rural large-animal practice, a crucial service in agricultural communities such as ours.
Applicants were required to submit two letters of reference, recent academic transcripts, and a 500-word personal statement outlining their future career goals in veterinary medicine.

Kara Binette expressed her deep appreciation for the bursary and her passion for the field:
“Veterinary medicine is important because it protects the animals we love, the livestock we depend on, and the communities built around them. It’s a career where you can make a real difference every single day. Whether you’re performing routine care, responding to an emergency in the middle of the night, or supporting a farmer through tough times, every action contributes to the bigger picture. To inspire more people to join, we need to share these stories, show the joy and purpose that comes from this work, and remind others that veterinary medicine isn’t just a job, it’s a way to care for life in all its forms!”

Ashlyn Bourassa, of Blueberry Mountain, reflected on her inspiration for choosing veterinary medicine:
“People share a symbiotic relationship with the animals they care for. Whether it’s the comfort of a family pet or the important role of livestock, animals give so much to our lives. I believe we have a responsibility to care for animals and support their health. To me, veterinary medicine is not only one of the most personally rewarding careers, but also one of the most meaningful ways to give back to the community. I’m incredibly excited to begin my journey in this field!”

Alyvia Crumly shared what drives her commitment to veterinary care:
“I believe veterinary medicine is so important because animals can’t tell us what’s wrong with them. As someone who grew up with all different types of animals I know how hard it can be to have an animal struggling and them not being able to just tell you what’s going on. Being in the veterinary field means getting to advocate for these animals and give them the special care they need to get better. Yes, it can be difficult at times, but I think those difficult cases make the job all the more rewarding.”
The Veterinary Education Bursary Program is one of several initiatives by Saddle Hills County to promote education, professional development, and long-term sustainability in rural Alberta. The County extends its congratulations to all three recipients and wishes them continued success in their educational and professional journeys.
Interested in learning more about the bursary or applying? Visit our bursary page here.
Contact Us
Saddle Hills
Junction of Hwy 49 & Secondary Hwy 725
RR1, Spirit River AB
T0H 3G0
T. 780-864-3760
Fax 780-864-3904
Toll-free 1-888-864-3760
frontdesk@saddlehills.ab.ca
Sign up to our Newsletter
Stay up to date on the Saddle Hills activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to our eNewsletters.