WJHA teaches Maple Leaf Construction Scholarship winner important life lessons

Daniel remembers skating for the first time in his life as part of the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA) in Grade 4. This was a significant moment for him, as he felt immediately welcomed and supported at the academy.

“I didn’t have to worry about fitting in,” said Daniel, who recalled being recognized for his potential on the ice that day.

For Daniel, the experience was about a lot more than hockey, and now as a 2024 graduate of John Taylor Collegiate and the WJHA, Daniel has a lot to be proud of, and a lot to look forward to.

“I am proud of the person the WJHA shaped because it allowed me to value my education more,” said Daniel, who is entering engineering at the University of Manitoba this fall. Daniel’s education will be supported by the Maple Leaf Construction Scholarship, which is awarded to a graduating student of the WJHA to assist them with four years of post-secondary schooling costs.

Along with learning to prioritize his education, Daniel gained many other valuable lessons, such as how to lead a healthy lifestyle. Through the WJHA, students learn about nutrition and physical training, as well as mental well-being.

“The WJHA allowed me to live a better lifestyle and understand what I need to do for myself and others,” said Daniel. “It allowed me to relieve stress over the years and to make more friends in the process. I am proud of the community (I found) because it is incredibly friendly and open.”

The WJHA community is large, with over 50 volunteers from local companies, 50 school champions and 30 university students guiding over 700 children and youth in improving their connection to their school. As part of the WJHA’s After School Program in high school, students can gain volunteer and job experience as instructors in training at the academy and contribute as role models for younger students.

Daniel has plenty of advice for his younger self and for future WJHA students.

“When you do anything, do it at 100 percent. This impacted me to do well in school and let me become an amazing athlete,” said Daniel. “Listen to advice and actually use it. We listen often but whether we use it or not is the break point.”