Delta Heritage Commission Scholarship Recipients 2011

The Delta Heritage Advisory Commission (HAC) has awarded the 2011 Delta Heritage Commission Scholarship to Allyson Wollin of Delta Secondary School for her recipe book entitled Flavours of the Earth which focuses on revitalizing urban farming and living sustainably through local agriculture.

Flavours of the Earth

Sustainable agriculture has played a fundamental part of Delta's history. The fertile lands of Delta have provided food for many, from First Nations to Ladner Brothers of 1868, from large farming operations to small backyard gardens scattered throughout Delta.

Ms. Wollin participated in the class Sustainable Resources, in partnership with Earthwise Society - a community farm focusing on sustainable farming, a mainstay of the farming heritage of our region. She studied the importance of agriculture history in Delta - how urban gardening recreates the vibrancy and strength of a community. Ms. Wollin retained her connection to the Earthwise Society by renting a community plot, gardening side by side with local residents.

Through these experiences, Ms. Wollin was drawn to connect her love of cooking and healthy living with her newfound interest in community gardening. With a friend, she co-created Flavours of the Earth, a cookbook about reviving urban farming in our local environment. This recipe book demonstrates living with the complete food cycle in Delta. The produce used in the recipes were planted, watered and harvested locally at the Earthwise community gardens. Flavours of the Earth, which has seen one private publishing run, has encouraged many others to experience Delta`s rich history of agriculture by exploring healthy lifestyles using locally grown foods.

The Delta Heritage Commission Scholarship is awarded annually to a Delta student graduating from a secondary school. The purpose of this award is to encourage students to display an interest in local or regional heritage, as demonstrated through an original piece of work. This $750 scholarship is applied to the recipient's post-secondary studies.

Mayor Lois Jackson presented the award certificate to Allyson Wollin at the Regular Meeting of Delta Council on August 15, 2011 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers at Delta Municipal Hall. Delta's HAC congratulates Allyson on a job well done and looks forward to the 2012 submissions.

Photographic submission by Tyler Pentland wins Honourable Mention

Tyler Pentland of Delta Secondary School received an honourable mention for his photo collage and commentary titled The Heritage of Music.