For 21 years the SOSS Enrichment Fund Society has awarded scholarships to SOSS graduating students to pursue post-secondary education. This year we are highlighting four of our recipients that have returned to live and work in Oliver. You will see them quite active in our community.
Our 21st annual SOSS Enrichment Fund Society golf tournament will be held at Fairview Mountain golf course on April 9 and 10.
This year the society has committed a total of $17,000 to be awarded to 20 deserving students. In the past approximately 400 students have received financial assistance.
If you would like to know more about the SOSS Enrichment Fund Society or information on how to make a contribution to this worthwhile cause, contact Southern Okanagan Secondary School Enrichment Fund Society, Box 1445, Oliver, VOH 1T0 or Greg Casorso, office phone 250 498 4977.
Below are profiles of Randee Ede (Zeeman) and Sid Ruhland.
Randee Ede (Zeeman) is pictured here with her husband Adam and sons Jaxon and Brock. Having a mom who’s a nurse is cool and very beneficial.
Photo by Shari Saysomsack
Name: Randee Ede
Parents: Tom and Gwen Zeeman
Spouse: Adam Ede
Children: Jaxon (3) Brock (1)
Graduated: 2002
Awards: Fairview Mountain Golf Club – $1,000
The Southern Okanagan Secondary School Enrichment Fund Society was incorporated in February 1995. That same year the society organized its first fundraising golf tournament at Fairview Mountain Golf Course. The board of directors of the golf course, management and members of FMGC continue to generously support the tournament.
Randee’s story
After graduating from SOSS I moved to Cranbrook to take a licensed practical nursing program.
After completing the program I moved back to the South Okanagan and worked at South Okanagan General Hospital and Penticton Regional Hospital.
In 2006 while continuing to work as a LPN I started working toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree through the University of B.C. Okanagan campus. I graduated in 2011.
I also completed my critical care nursing specialty. I have spent the past five years working at the Penticton hospital in the intensive care unit and the emergency department.
I continue to take courses i.e. (advanced cardiac life support) that allow me to stay current in the skills needed for my job. I feel very lucky to be working in a job I truly love.
I originally moved back to the Okanagan because I wanted to save money. However, Adam, my husband and I moved to Oliver when we were expecting our first son.
Oliver’s housing market was more affordable and most importantly we were surrounded and supported by so much family here.
It is a great town to be raising our sons in. We enjoy the lifestyle of the Okanagan and spend our family time doing various outdoor activities.
We enjoy camping travelling through BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
Sid Ruhland (left) is seen here at the Firehall Brewery with his wife Marie-Eve, son Leo, mom Joanne and father Jim Ruhland.
Name: Sid Ruhland
Parents: Jim and Joanne Ruhland
Spouse: Marie-Eve
Children: Leo and Noah
Graduated: 2006
Awards: Knights of Columbus Bursary – $500
Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Award – $500
Okanagan College Tuition Scholarship
Pat McGibbon Memorial Scholarship – $500
The SOSS Enrichment Fund Society awards the Pat McGibbon Memorial Scholarship. Pat worked as a teaching assistant at Tuc-el-Nuit Elementary School from its opening in 1976 until 1993 when she became ill and passed away in 1994. Pat enjoyed working with students, both in the library and in the classroom. She taught art to many students during her time at Tuc-el-Nuit. Samples of her artwork hang in the Pat McGibbon Memorial Library at Tuc-el-Nuit school.
Sid’s story
I backpacked through Europe then returned to Kelowna for two years of business school. I caravanned through Australia then back to business school for two more years including a semester exchange to Austria. I wanted to leave city living and moved to Oliver and lived in a tent on the mountain. I started the Firehall Brewery in 2011 with my dad Jim and family. I have since gotten married to my beautiful and talented wife, Marie-Eve and we started our family.
Looking forward to?
I look forward to having more kids. I would like to grow my business. I would also like to change the modern world by influencing those around me through art and ideas.
I enjoy writing, especially about controversial topics in politics, economics, and cultural philosophy. I also enjoy writing music, with themes along those same lines.
I intend to work with my community to grow more food, to be more socially interactive, to get out into nature more and learn to live more naturally.
