(Image Credit: Medicine Hat College)

By Jett Schwaier

SMILE SUNDAYS

Medicine Hat College student Watson earns national reclamation award for outstanding success

Apr 5, 2026 | 7:00 AM

Medicine Hat College student, Alyssa Watson, is being recognized for her academic success and passion for the environment, earning a provincial award that highlights the next generation of land reclamation professionals.

The second-year student in the Environmental Biology and Reclamation Technology program has received a $1,000 scholarship from the Canadian Land Reclamation Association after being nominated by her instructors for outstanding academic performance and interest in the field.

“It was a surprise. I was nominated by my instructors for it. It’s an award for academic achievement, so for outstanding performance as well as my interest in the environmental field,” Watson said.

The award was presented at the association’s annual conference in Edmonton on March 4, where students and professionals from across Canada gathered to share research and ideas.

“I was very excited when I won it. I had the opportunities to go through a bunch of breakout rooms and check out all the different techniques that are available to us in the reclamation field, as well as meet with lots of different companies and people that are in the field,” Watson said.

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“There was a banquet, and that’s when they announced each of the student winners,” she added.

“There were 11 of us in total, and then they gave a little speech about each of us and why we do what we do, and we were presented with an award.”

Watson said the conference experience provided valuable insight into the field and opportunities to connect with industry professionals.

“The people and the field itself [are] just a wonderful place to be. Everybody’s extremely kind and wants you to succeed. Lots of information, plenty of guest speakers. People are offering jobs there, everything from hydro seeding to tree planting,” Watson said.

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(Image Credit: Medicine Hat College)

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Watson said the recognition reflects the effort she has put into her studies over the past two years, while also serving as motivation to continue her education.

“I’ve worked very hard over the last two years of school, and I feel like I’ve earned it. I don’t really like being the center of attention, but it feels pretty good,” Watson said.

“It motivates me to definitely continue to keep doing my best. It felt really good to be recognized, and I do have another two years. I got accepted into the U of L, so I will be going off to do my degree,” she added.

“This motivates me to continue to be the best and continue to expand my studies and see what else is out there.”

Watson plans to pursue a Bachelor of Environmental Science at the University of Lethbridge this fall and said she would encourage others to attend the conference in the future.

“The conference is open. You don’t have to be an award winner to be able to go. You can buy tickets,” Watson said.

“I would strongly recommend that as a student or even if you’ve graduated and you are looking to get out into the field, it is definitely a good opportunity,” she added.

“When I’m done university here, I will 100 percent buy tickets and go to the conference again just to meet other professionals in the field and network.”