By Charlene Patton I October 24, 2024

Buckingham Security Services Ltd. hosted the most recent recipients of the Alice Patricia Buckingham Scholarship Award in Regina on the last weekend of September. Taylor Henderson and Maddison Nelson and their families travelled from Shellbrook to Regina to receive their awards and enjoy an informative and fun-filled weekend. After a reception at the Buckingham office, the recipients and their families enjoyed guided tours of the RCMP Heritage Centre, Regina Police Service Headquarters and Mosaic Stadium. They were treated to a win at home by the Saskatchewan Roughriders over the Ottawa Red Blacks in the third annual Kisiskâciwan game where Indigenous culture, traditions and peoples were highlighted. 

Rod Buckingham, CEO of Buckingham, created and named the scholarship in honor of his late mother with the award criteria of demonstrating kindness, compassion, leadership in human safety and protecting others. “Without a doubt, these values are tremendously exemplified by both of this year’s winners,” he said. “They bring such intelligence and goodwill to our society. We are proud to honor them.” 

Henderson learned the importance of safety growing up on her family’s farm and in her role as a camp lifeguard. “When I teach safety, I feel it’s important to elaborate on the reasons why those measures are in place,” she explained. Taylor’s sharp awareness, preparedness and instincts helped her to navigate a group of young canoers out of choppy, white-capped waters to safety. She tied the canoe of the least experienced group to her own and made sure no one was left behind. One of the canoers went into shock and Taylor immediately attended to her with first aid. “I will continue to play a role in the safety and protection of others with my first aid and lifesaving abilities, but also as a person who others can come to if they are ever in trouble,” she said.  Henderson plans to pursue mechanical engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. “This scholarship was incredibly meaningful to me being that Rod is from our community, and he went on to do amazing things with his career. It’s awesome for me, growing up in a small town, to see that,” she said. “This is a sought-after scholarship in our community, not just the monetary aspect, but the experience that Rod gives as well as the opportunities and connections that are made.” 

Nelson’s post-secondary interest is in the healthcare field. She plans on enrolling in the diagnostic medical sonography program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary. “This has been my dream job for over six years,” she stated. “This scholarship is a way to expand my knowledge of personal safety by working with the Buckingham team during this scholarship weekend and have some extra money to put towards tuition and books for post-secondary schooling,” she said. Maddison, a volunteer umpire in her community, learned to be a quick and critical thinker in this role. “Whether that’s by making a tough call at home plate or having to talk to players about watching the way they throw a bat after they swing, I have learned many skills about swift thinking, judgement calls, and  lowering the risk of injury and harm to players and spectators alike, and I believe I reflect that in the way I mentor younger umpires and players,” she explained. 

The Alice Patricia Buckingham Scholarship is awarded annually to two W.P. Sandin High School students in grade eleven. 2025 applications will be open in January. Interested candidates can find more information at buckinghamsecurity.com/resources