Medicine Hat College Rattlers to get new $10,000 leadership award fund
The Western Communities Foundation is funding two annual $1,000 awards for MHC student-athletes over five years, starting with the 2026-27 academic year.
Medicine Hat College student-athletes will soon be recognized for contributions beyond athletics through a new five-year commitment from the Western Communities Foundation. The foundation has pledged $10,000 to create two Western Communities Foundation Athlete Leaders Awards, each worth $1,000 annually, for one male and one female athlete.
The awards will go to student-athletes who show leadership, resilience, character and community involvement, with athletic performance counting as only one factor. Rod Cunniam, board chair of the Western Communities Foundation, said such qualities help build stronger communities and future leaders.
The foundation chose Medicine Hat College because of its regional ties and emphasis on developing future leaders. Since 2009, it has invested more than $51,000 in Medicine Hat through grants, donations and student-focused initiatives.
Terry Ballard, manager of athletics and recreation at the college, said Rattler athletes serve as leaders, role models and ambassadors, and that the college's athletics program emphasizes academics, athletics, citizenship and leadership alongside competition. The first awards will be presented during the 2026-27 academic year.
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