A.F. Timber Co Ltd. is excited to reward two very deserving applicants the 2025 Kyle Levy Forestry and Trade Bursary to Farrell Levy and Rhegan Pujos-Michel. Both applicants are so deserving and our pleasure to award.
First it is again very special for us to be awarding Farrell Levy the bursary named to honour his dad. He is following in his father’s footsteps and in the logging industry working for A.F. Timber which is such an honour for us. Eventually Farrell wants to attend Vancouver Island University to learn the trade of Heavy Equipment Operator. It is a comprehensive training program that provides training in all aspects of the workplace as well as extensive hands-on training on the heavy equipment.
Farrell was born and raised in Nelson, he loves skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, mountain biking, and generally enjoying the outdoor Kootenay Lifestyle.
Up next, we have Rhegan Pujos-Michel. Deciding what to pursue in school has been one of the most difficult, yet rewarding journeys of her life. After years of working different jobs, traveling, and getting to know herself, she found something that finally feels right: forestry! She grew up in Harrop, BC, a remote village where she spent most of her childhood exploring the forest. That early connection to nature shaped who she is. Working at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park only deepened that bond. She was fortunate to learn from Joanne Siderius, the park’s lead naturalist, who showed her the magic of the forest—from spawning salmon to the way fallen trees nourish new growth.
Being awarded the bursary will allow her to focus on her studies and further develop the skills she needs to succeed in forestry. It would give her more time and stability to focus on tough subjects, participate more in labs, and prepare herself to give back to the land and communities that raised her.
Both Farrell and Rhegan are looking forward to starting their next adventures in life, we are very proud to help support them and are excited to follow their career paths.
A.F. Timber Co Ltd. is excited to reward two applicants the 2026 Kyle Levy Forestry and Trade Bursary to Jenna Sawatzky and Israel Tricker, it is our pleasure to award them both.
First up, Jenna Sawatzky is the recipient of the Forestry Bursary. Jenna will begin the Forest Technology Program at Selkirk College in September 2026.
Jenna has always been longing for a career, one that not only allows her to pay the bills but also makes her heart sing. She believes that the forestry sector is the road that will take her there. She is excited to make a career out of her favourite thing - being outside. She has loved being outdoors, in all seasons, in all weather and conditions. She loves hiking, camping, exploring, foraging, and pretty much any activity that keeps her out in the fresh air.
Forest sustainability is a huge priority for her and probably what she is most passionate about. A healthy forest is a happy forest.
Up next, Israel Tricker is the recipient of the Trade Bursary. Israel has completed her Millwright level 1 & 2 and Machinist level 1 at Selkirk College. Finding a love for this field of work has inspired her to take the level C Welding this fall at Selkirk College in Nelson.
Throughout her life, she has always had a strong work ethic and the drive to take on big tasks. She is someone who works hard, stays motivated, and is willing to put in the effort needed to succeed. She takes pride in being reliable and determined and plans to bring those qualities into her education and future career.
We believe that Jenna and Israel’s enthusiasm and willingness to work hard will excel them in their career paths. We are very proud to help support their education and are excited to follow their careers!