Tyler Ryan McLaren Memorial Scholarship
Each year, the NLBA offers a $500 scholarship to two School District 35 (Langley) secondary school graduates in honour of Tyler McLaren.
About Tyler
Tyler was born on April 6th, 1990. At the age of 19 months he developed a seizure disorder that could not be controlled by medication. Despite this, Tyler continued to develop and be active in sports. In his youth , he participated in Soccer, Baseball, Basketball and Ball Hockey. While his skills were average, he loved to compete. Tyler also participated in Special Olympics in both Bocce and Curling. At the age of 14, Tyler had major brain surgery to try and alleviate the seizure disorder, unfortunately, the surgery was not successful and at that time, Neurologists discovered that he also had Asperger’s Syndrome (High Functioning Autism).
Tyler was always determined to do his best in everything he did and in no way would allow his disabilities to get in the way of his accomplishments or be used as an excuse for his performance. Tyler was a social butterfly and he loved to help others. In sports, unconditional sportsmanship was his biggest asset which despite his skill level, endeared him to his teammates and competition.
His biggest goal in life was to complete Grade 12, which he did on June 13th, 2008. Four days later, Tyler suffered a Grand Mal Seizure in his sleep and went into Cardiac Arrest. Despite the heroic efforts of his Mom, Firefighters, Paramedics, Doctors & Nurses, he was declared brain dead and removed from Life Support on June 20, 2008.
As was his giving nature, Tyler wanted to be an organ/tissue donor and today he lives on in the lives of more than a dozen people.
In addition to the NLBA scholarship, Walnut Grove Secondary also established a scholarship in Tyler’s memory, which is awarded to a student with Special Needs who exemplifies his desire to succeed despite their disability. The Langley Ball Hockey Association also awards the Tyler McLaren Most Sportsman Like Player trophy, in his memory.
Eligibility Criteria
The Tyler Ryan McLaren Memorial Scholarship honours Tyler’s memory by financially supporting two School District 35 graduates. To be eligible for the scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- Recipient played a minimum of two seasons of basketball between U15 and U18 in the North Langley Basketball Association league
Or
- Recipient played a minimum of two years on a junior or senior high school team in Langley
- Recipient has a noted positive attitude as a student and athlete
- Recipient has firm plans to attend post secondary training/education
How to apply?
These scholarships are coordinated by the Langley School District. The scholarship recipients are chosen by the Langley School District Scholarship selection committee and may be presented by school staff or a volunteer representative of the NLBA. To apply, please contact your school counselor.