Dustin Mikush. (submitted photo/Dustin Mikush)

By Mat Barrett

Spirit of Sandra Scholars

Wadena curler receives Spirit of Sandra scholarship

Jun 16, 2020 | 4:41 PM

A Wadena curler is one of six recipients of the 2020 Spirit of Sandra scholarships handed out by the Sandra Schmirler Foundation.

It’s the second time that 20-year-old Dustin Mikush won the scholarship. To be considered for the scholarship, candidates must write an 800-word essay, answer some short answer questions, and submit a five-minute video. Mikush said it’s an honour to receive the $5,000 scholarship and said it’s great to be a part of the cause.

“It also keeps Sandra’s name alive,” he said. “She passed away way too soon due to cancer. So, it’s important to keep her legacy alive, I think that’s most important for me and also in funding lifesaving equipment for babies that are born too small, too soon, or too sick.”

As part of being one of six recipients of the scholarship, Mikush also receives mentorship from world champion curler, Cathy Overton-Clapham who is also on the board for the foundation.

Since 2013, the Sandra Schmirler foundation has given out the scholarships to curlers across the country who have helped contribute to keeping Schmirler’s legacy alive. Mikush said it’s special to be a part of something named after Schmirler as she was synonymous with Saskatchewan and curling.

Russia-Ukraine War

In a first, President Biden gives green light for Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles in Russia

19h ago

Helping hand

Big red sleigh brings holiday spirit to kick off Battlefords Empty Stocking Fund

Nov 16, 2024

Battlefords North Stars

Big performance from Maric ends Red Wings win streak

Nov 16, 2024

“While I didn’t know her personally,” Mikush told northeastNOW. “She was well respected in the community for how caring and kind she was and how driven she was, not only as an athlete, but also a mother to two awesome kids that I happen to know.”

Another portion of being named a Spirit of Sandra Scholar is the responsibility to organize a fundraising event to benefit the foundation. For Mikush, he said the plan is to try and have another double’s bonspiel in Wadena as he did last time he was awarded with the scholarship. About $4,500 was raised at that event. Mikush said he will adjust with COVID-19 restrictions, and his own curling schedule as the date gets closer.

Mikush just finished his third year of post-secondary at the University of Alberta where he’s working toward his bachelor of education degree. He medaled twice at the Alberta Junior Curling Championships, winning in 2019 and was given the Fair Play Award at the Canadian Junior Championships that year as well. He also helped answer phones during the 2020 Schmirler Telethon at the Scottie Tournament of Hearts in Moose Jaw.

(submitted photo/Annette Young)

For Mikush, he started curling in Grade 2 after seeing his brother playing the sport. Mikush was also a hockey player at the time, but soon focused solely on curling.

“There was just something about curling that I really enjoyed personally and I kept with it,” he said. “I love the competitiveness, the comradery between players.”

Mikush will be entering his fourth year at the University of Alberta, but will be doing most of his schooling online this coming year which means curling wise, he will be playing for Saskatchewan. He said he will be playing Junior Men’s for one more season and then find a men’s team next season and keep the dream alive to one day play in the Brier.

One other Saskatchewan native was one of the six recipients of the scholarship as Chamberlain’s Skylar Ackerman is another two-time recipient. Bella Croisier of Ontario, Johnson Tao and Michael Nunn of British Columbia, and Nathan Young of Newfoundland and Labrador round out the six recipients for 2020.

–

mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6