Eastview Secondary School graduate Vincent Robbenhaar is one of five people in Ontario to be rewarded for not only their academic and athletic excellence, but also their community work away from the rink.
As hockey players, coaches and referees in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA), the inaugural group of winners have received $8,000 post-secondary bursaries from the Dairy Farmers of Ontario. They were selected from the 2019-20 minor hockey season and are currently attending university.
From the classroom to the dressing room to behind the bench, Robbenhaar always leads by example.
He won the academic award for highest overall average in his school two years in a row with a 97.75 per cent average in Grade 11. Robbenhaar also played rep hockey in the Barrie Minor Hockey Association from 2013 to 2018 and was alternate captain during many of those years.
Robbenhaar is studying biochemistry at Western University.
“I really love all the sciences and the maths, and I really enjoy understanding how things work,” he said.
Former teacher Megan McColm praised Robbenhaar for his strength of character.
“Vincent is an extraordinary student. He is incredibly respectful, loves problem-solving challenges, and loves to work with others collaboratively,” said McColm.
Robbenhaar's coach, Ed Mauro, said he was the player every bench boss wanted, as a very committed athlete and a quiet leader who was well-liked by teammates.
“In Grade 8, he was actually taking Grade 9 science courses, which was out of this world for the rest of the team," Mauro said.
Robbenhaar says hockey has left an indelible mark on his life.
“I had many exceptional coaches that dedicated countless hours towards my development,” he said. “This had a positive impact on my life and helped me to develop into the person I am today.”
That’s one of the reasons he started coaching an under-seven hockey team.
“I have a great sense of civic duty and wish to give back to the hockey community and to the next generation of young hockey players," Robbenhaar said.
In addition to his various roles in hockey, Robbenhaar was also involved with his school’s track team as well tutoring other students.
“We are extremely proud of the five recipients chosen for the Dairy Farmers of Ontario Bursary. Each of these student-athletes demonstrates the dedication and commitment needed to succeed on and off the ice,” said OMHA executive director Ian Taylor.
“Their leadership and desire to give back to hockey and their communities through coaching, officiating and volunteering has positively impacted the lives of many around them," he added. "We wish them all the best in their post-secondary education.”
Murray Sherk, board chair with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario, also congratulated the bursary winners.
“We’re inspired by your passion, hard work and dedication, and are honoured to be a part of your journey in shaping the next generation of leaders," Sherk said.
Applications for 2021 Bursary Program will be announced in the coming weeks.
