Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
Vernon's Blake Varga was named of the recipients of a Cmolik Foundation scholarship (Image Credit: Cmolik Foundation)
By Liam Verster
$60K Scholarship

Local student wins scholarship from provincial foundation

Jul 27, 2026 | 1:03 PM

A local highschooler will be getting some financial aide in his post-secondary education.

The Cmolik Foundation announced that Blake Varga, a graduate of Vernon Secondary School, will receive a $60,000 scholarship to support him in pursuing an education in electrical engineering.

The foundation, which supports students in B.C. that have overcome overwhelming adversity, impressed the Selection Committee with his application, academic goals, and future career aspirations. 

“Blake has consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to his learning,” Karen Bedard, Math Department Head at Vernon Secondary, said in a release from the Cmolik Foundation.

“He approaches his work with focus and persistence, takes responsibility for his learning, and shows a strong willingness to engage with challenging material. He does not shy away from challenges and is willing to put in the extra effort required to improve and meet high expectations. He is dependable, respectful, and motivated to improve, qualities that are essential for success in rigorous post-secondary programs such as Electrical Engineering.”

$60K Scholarship
Local student wins scholarship from provincial foundation
31m ago
Election 2026
Former mayor seeking seat on Vernon City Council
2h ago
Water Restrictions
Work ongoing to address water supply concerns: Vernon-Lumby MLA
Jul 26, 2026

In the release, Varga said he plans to major in electrical engineering with a Bachelor of Applied Science at UBCO.

“I am choosing this area of study as math has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember as it is what I am best at.”

Varga was one of 20 students across B.C. to receive a scholarship from the Cmolik Foundation. The funds will be distributed over five years to help cover his post-secondary education.

by Liam Verster
View Comments

Other Matters

$60K Scholarship
Local student wins scholarship from provincial foundation
A local highschooler will be getting some financial aide in his post-secondary education.The Cmolik Foundation announced that Blake Varga, a graduate of Vernon Secondary School, will receive a $60,000 scholarship to support him in pursuing an education in electrical engineering.The foundation, which supports students i...
34m ago
Read More
Election 2026
Former mayor seeking seat on Vernon City Council
A former mayor of Vernon and family doctor is looking to get back in the council chambers.Rob Sawatzky announced he will run for a City Council seat in the fall election.Sawatzky served as Mayor of Vernon from 2011 to 2014, and said he and council accomplished a lot and developed some progressive programs during that t...
2h ago
Read More
small explosion
Truck fire on bridge
A brake fire on a transport truck caused delays on the William Bennett Bridge Sunday evening. Firefighters quickly brought the situation under control, but two firefighters suffered minor injuries after a small explosion beneath the trailer. Northbound traffic was affected for about 30 minutes.In a media release, the K...
3h ago
Read More
Improving situation
Evacuation Alert lifted for La Casa Wildfire, being held
Sunday 5:20 p.m.The BC Wildfire Service reported early Sunday afternoon that the status of the wildfire burning near the La Casa area was "Being Held." That means based on fuel and weather conditions and resource availability, the fire was expected to remain within the current perimeter, control line or bound...
Jul 26, 2026
Read More
Water Restrictions
Work ongoing to address water supply concerns: Vernon-Lumby MLA
The local MLA has urged people conserve water as work continues to find a solution to the water scarcity issue in the North Okanagan.In a media release, Harwinder Sandhu said the water scarcity concern in the North Okanagan is raising concerns for the agricultural sector, but work is underway to try to alleviate those ...
Jul 26, 2026
Read More
Standing by
Evacuation Alert for La Casa Wildfire, significant progress made
Saturday 9 p.m.The La Casa Wildfire was measured at 5.18 hectares late Saturday. In an update, Central Okanagan Emergency Management said while significant progress has been made on the blaze, residents in the area will continue to see flames, smoke and firefighting activity as BC Wildfire continues ground and aerial o...
Jul 26, 2026
Read More
Development
Parking variances granted for new seniors housing
City council has given initial approvals for a proposed senior supportive housing development in Vernon's north end, despite some discussion involving parking at the property.A developer wants to build a five-storey, 126-unit supportive senior housing building at a vacant lot at 5,000 24th Street. The development would...
Jul 24, 2026
Read More
Community Sport Hero Awards
Okanagan's leaders in sport recognized at special event
Okanagan sports heroes were celebrated at a special event in Vernon.On July 20, Sport BC recognized 18 volunteers in the Okanagan with 2026 Community Sport Hero Awards.The awards celebrated the individuals who make amateur sports possible in their community."Volunteers are the backbone of sport in British Columbia...
Jul 24, 2026
Read More
Air Conditioners for Seniors
Organization asking for public aid to protect seniors from extreme heat
A local organization has asked for aide in making sure seniors stay cool and safe during the summer.Some seniors in B.C. are eligible for provincial assistance accessing a portable air conditioner.However, to fill the gaps and ensure seniors who do not qualify for the provincial program, NexusBC runs its own operation ...
Jul 24, 2026
Read More

What Matters

$60K Scholarship
Local student wins scholarship from provincial foundation
31m ago
Election 2026
Former mayor seeking seat on Vernon City Council
2h ago
Water Restrictions
Work ongoing to address water supply concerns: Vernon-Lumby MLA
Jul 26, 2026
Development
Parking variances granted for new seniors housing
Jul 24, 2026
Community Sport Hero Awards
Okanagan's leaders in sport recognized at special event
Jul 24, 2026