The Harvey Northcott Memorial Fund Scholarship

This award is given to worthy young recipients every year. It is in support of those who have demonstrated a commitment to their community and want to pursue post-secondary education in an agricultural-related discipline. The award was created to pay homage to one of the founding members of Leduc's Black Gold Professional Rodeo. It reflects Harvey Northcott's belief in the power of education to build a better world.

In 2024, we presented three young adults with awards.

Congratulations to Brody Hale, Sophia Lowie and Jayce McKean!

Brody Hale

I am honored to have been selected as a recipient of the 2024 Harvey Northcott Memorial Scholarship. I would like to thank the Leduc Black Gold Pro Rodeo and Exhibition for the opportunity they provide for graduating students. I am a 17 year old graduate from Wheatland Crossing School. I grew up on a ranch by Dorothy Alberta where I have always had a passion for rodeo. I am moving to Casper Wyoming in the fall to attend Casper College while competing for the Thunderbirds rodeo team as a saddle bronc rider. I plan to pursue a degree in business management to prepare myself to start my own business in the future while also being able to manage my ranch more efficiently. I have been riding saddle bronc for 3 years in several different amateur associations as well as the Alberta High School Rodeo Association. I have competed across Canada as well as in the USA doing what I love. Recently, I got my CPRA permit to start working towards my goals in rodeo. A couple of my goals include filling my CPRA permit and making the Canadian Finals, as well as eventually filling my PRCA permit. I am a determined individual and work hard in everything I do to accomplish my goals and dreams. I believe I have the drive and determination to reach every single one of my goals while not letting anything hold me back. A recent educating moment was going to Ogden Utah to the Wrights bronc riding school last November, where I learned from some of the best.
 

Sophia Lowie

Hello! My name is Sophia Lowie and I am a grade 12 student at Leduc Composite High School. I am honored and very fortunate to be chosen as one of the recipients of the 2024 Harvey Northcott Memorial Scholarship. I'd like to thank the Leduc Black Gold Pro Rodeo & Exhibition Association for making this opportunity available for graduating students like me. In the fall of 2024, I will be attending Lakeland College, studying the Animal Health Technology program. At college, along with my studies, I plan on joining the rodeo team so I can continue with my passion for riding and competing with my horses. After I finish the two-year AHT program, I plan to get a job working at a veterinary practice that specializes in equines. This will allow me to work with the vets that have helped my horses over many years and I will be able to assist in helping other horses in need. I enjoy learning about how the equine body works and how they can withstand the high demands of being performance athletes. As someone who doesn't come from a rodeo family and being the only one in my family that rides, I haven't let that stop me from striving to reach my goals with my horses. I am thankful for my families support of my dreams. I currently compete in High School Rodeo, Extreme Cowboy Racing, Working Cow horse and Reining. Great scholarships like these make it possible for students to continue to follow their dreams - Thank you!
 

Jayce McKean

Receiving the Harvey Northcott Memorial Scholarship is a big deal for me. It's much more than just getting an award; it's about carrying on a tradition that's been a part of my family and the rodeo world I've grown up in. Harvey Northcott wasn't just a name to me; he was a close friend of my grandparents. This scholarship means people believe in me and it reminds me of how close-knit the rodeo community is. My dream has always been to be a professional tie-down roper, and I've been working hard to get there. This winter, I finished a program at the Oklahoma State Horseshoeing School to learn more about taking care of the animals we work with in rodeo. I will be joining the college rodeo team in Cisco, TX, this fall. I will have the opportunity to get better at my sport and face tougher competitors. It's an exciting time for me, full of new challenges and chances to prove myself. Now, I'm getting ready to compete in rodeo events this summer, both amateur and professional. The Harvey Northcott Memorial Scholarship has helped me a lot. It's not just about the money; it's also about motivating me to keep going after my dreams with all the hard work and dedication I can muster. It's also a reminder of how scholarships can really make a difference, encouraging young athletes like me to follow our dreams and keep the spirit of the rodeo alive.