Dalton Powell, recipient of a $1000 BCAS scholarship
By Diana Walker
Dalton Powell, younger son of Calvin and Haley Powell, grew up with cattle, rodeo and a strong rural work ethic on his family’s ranch near Youngstown.
“I have developed a deep appreciation for the people, values and traditions that make rural communities like ours thrive,” he says.
Dalton poses with an elk antler in one of the taxidermy rooms. It’s full of North American species — his favourite study place on campus.
A high school rodeo athlete, trap shooter, and outdoorsman, Dalton is pursuing a career in wildlife biology through the Renewable Resource Management program at Lethbridge Polytechnic. He aims to bring technical knowledge and a commitment to sustainable land and wildlife management back to his community.
“This program will give me the knowledge and skills to conserve and manage wildlife species such as bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, deer and elk. I believe rural communities benefit when young people bring back technical knowledge, environmental understanding, and a commitment to sustainable land and wildlife management. It will allow me to protect the landscapes and resources that support both agriculture and outdoor recreation, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same rural lifestyle I have.”
He has spent countless hours helping the Big Country Agricultural Society with rough stock events, LRA and high school rodeos, ropings, and community gatherings. He moved bleachers, hung the TV, assisted with welding projects alongside his dad, raised gates and hand-cut and notched pipes to improve the run-back alley for the safety of bronc riders.
“The Crossroads Centre has been more than just a facility to me,” says Dalton. “It’s been a place where I have competed, volunteered, and built lifelong friendships. The work has taught me the importance of teamwork, safety, and giving back.”
After graduation, Dalton plans to continue volunteering at the Crossroads, and help the BCAS host events.
“The community has shaped who I am, and I want to return the favour by contributing my time, skills, and eventually my professional expertise.”
UPDATE: Asked how his course was going, Dalton replied: “Really well. I’m finishing my first semester. I like classes that revolve around wildlife. My favourite is Zoology, which is mostly identification, taxonomy and animal behaviour. I’ve enjoyed my field trips to the mountains searching for different habitats, animal signs and waterways. I plan to finish my diploma in Renewable Resource Management, then work on my degree in a Bachelor of Ecosystem Management.”