Mission's Brittany Rowley was awarded the White and Peters scholarship for students in trades and apprenticeships from Vancouver Community College this week.
Rowley said she first learned about the scholarship achievement about a month ago but didn't believe it until recently when she talked to her instructor who had nominated her for the award.
"I had a lot of competition," said Rowley, who is an apprentice at Mission Auto Body and Towing.
Rowley has already passed all her courses and is now finishing up the required hours of work to be a ticketed journeyperson. She will be using the $500 scholarship money to help pay for her education.
Rowley, who was born and raised in Mission, admitted she didn't fully know what she was getting herself into when she first enrolled in the trade.
"I was unsure, but it's been positive," said Rowley. "My passion for it grew."
Rowley has worked as an apprentice painter and preparation worker for the past two years and hopes to eventually specialize in custom paint jobs for vehicles and bikes.
"She's very motivated," said Wally Duperon, owner of Mission Auto Body and Towing. "It's hard to find people with her determination."