Dawson Reale, Sara Campbell and Roberto Bagnato are proud Sudburians.

They are equally proud graduates of Lockerby Composite, products of the Sports Administration program at Laurentian University, and all one-time employees of the Sudbury Wolves.

These days, they are thrilled to be able to put that civic pride to work. The trio recently launched the SPAD Homegrown Talent Scholarship, providing a little extra additional funding to prospective post-secondary students who may wish to follow in their paths.

"I was having some conversations with Andrew Dale about fundraising and scholarships within SPAD, and I got to thinking that we really don't have a Sudbury specific scholarship - which is kind of interesting just because we've had so many amazing SPAD grads from here that have gone on to do so many great things," said Campbell, Co-Ordinator - In-Game Communications with the National Hockey League.

As the discussion ensued and expanded, the local grads felt compelled to capture elements of both their line of studies, as well as careers within the sport industry, in general, which might not always come to the forefront within most scholarship criteria.

"All three of us felt strongly that what we are looking for in the next generation of SPAD students goes beyond just the marks," explained Reale. "Obviously, marks are very important and certainly part of the scholarship application."

"But all three of us worked during our time at high-school, we all did volunteer work, we all played sports. Those are just some of the things that go above and beyond academics."

"I think this is really what makes an all-around student," added Reale, who has taken advantage of the challenging work landscape of COVID-19 to further his studies, pursuing his MBA.

In fact, the scholarship information page clearly delineates three important pillars that will combine with the transcript to create a successful applicant: volunteer work, sport involvement and work experience.

In what is perhaps just a sign of the times, applicants are invited to present their case via a traditional one-page essay, or utilize video or other means, should that better capture their story.

"I think allowing people to showcase their creativity is one of the most important aspects of this scholarship," said Campbell. "The way someone tells their story can be different. The best candidates don't have to necessarily be the best writers."

"I'm excited to see what kind of creativity people can come up with."

While the fall of 2021 represents the first edition of the $500 scholarship, Campbell and company are definitely building for the long-term. "We recognize that we are currently a small group of relatively new grads, but we really do hope to build a foundation that will grow, with more donors, a bigger pot, more money going in."

Anyone seeking additional information on the SPAD Homegrown Talent Scholarship is asked to contact Sara Campbell at sacampbell@laurentian.ca.