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Congratulations to the 2025 Shannon Burwash Memorial Award winners!
Your remarkable dedication to equine and agricultural studies—and to the love of horses that inspired this meaningful scholarship—shines brightly. As you embark on your educational journeys and continue to pursue leadership within the equine industry, know that your passion and achievements are making a real difference. This prestigious award honors both Shannon Burwash’s legacy and the bright futures you are building—congratulations to each of you on this well-deserved recognition!
Lean about the application process by clicking here.
Katie Paul
Katie Paul grew up in Cochrane, Alberta, and graduated from Cochrane High School, and then completed a Bachelor of Science in Animal Health at the University of Alberta. Now entering her third year of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Calgary, pursuing a career focused on equine medicine. She has had the privilege of working as a summer student at Moore Equine Veterinary Centre, one of Western Canada’s leading equine referral hospitals, where she continues to gain valuable clinical experience.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Katie enjoys spending as much time as possible in the outdoors—hiking, backpacking, skiing, and paddleboarding with her dog, Jax. She has been personally involved in the horse world for over 20 years, having competed with her Quarter Horse gelding, Rio, across Western Canada and the western United States in a variety of disciplines. These experiences have shaped her passion for equine health and performance. Paul is incredibly grateful for the support of her family, who have been instrumental throughout her academic and equestrian journey.
Diandra St. Hilaire
Diandra St. Hilaire has been passionate about horses for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, she immersed herself in the equine world through 4-H, reining, and competitive riding, eventually earning a spot on the University of Georgia’s NCAA Division I Equestrian Team, where she helped secure three National Championships and earned All-American honours.
After a 12-year career as a Corrections Officer, she returned to her first dream—veterinary medicine—and is now a member of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2026. With more than 30 years of experience riding, showing, and caring for horses, Diandra is pursuing a career as an equine veterinarian, dedicated to serving rural and agricultural communities. She is passionate about mentorship, leadership, and giving back to the horse industry that has shaped every chapter of her life.
Rayelle Smith
Rayelle Smith is a second-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student at the University of Calgary (Class of 2028) with a lifelong passion for horses and the equine industry. Her journey in the horse world has been shaped by years of showing horses, serving as the 2019 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Rodeo Queen, and proudly competing for the title of Miss Rodeo Canada. These experiences deepened her appreciation for the western way of life, strengthened her leadership skills, and allowed her to serve as an ambassador for the rodeo and agricultural communities.
Beyond her involvement in rodeo and showing, Rayelle is an avid horse lover whose career goal is to advance the health and well-being of equine athletes, helping them achieve their full potential while promoting longevity and soundness in their careers. At UCVM, she continues to build her knowledge and leadership within the field of large animal veterinary medicine. Alongside her studies, she is an active member of the UCVM Equine Club and UCVM Production Animal Club and has hands-on experience working with cattle and horses, which has fueled her passion for large animal practice. Looking ahead, she aspires to serve the agricultural and equine community as a veterinarian, while continuing to develop leadership within the industry.
Rayelle is deeply honoured to be selected as a recipient of the Shannon Burwash Award for Leadership and Excellence in Equine, Agri-Business, and Agricultural Studies. She is inspired by Shannon’s legacy of horsemanship, leadership, and lifelong dedication to the Quarter Horse industry, and she aspires to carry those same values forward in her veterinary career and contributions to the equine community
Katriana Van Woudenberg
Katriana Van Woudenberg grew up in beautiful Langley, BC. She wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age, and being in her final year of the DVM program is a dream come true! Katriana was an involved member of 4H BC for many years, showing horses, serving as club president, a BC 4H Ambassador, and attending many conferences and events. She has worked and volunteered in a variety of fields within veterinary medicine, including wildlife rehabilitation, small and mixed animal medicine, veterinary radiology, and equine medicine. She discovered her passion for equine medicine in her first year of veterinary school. She held two summer positions at equine practices and completed externships at equine referral clinics across Canada. She is excited to complete an internship in equine medicine after her graduation. Katriana completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of the Fraser Valley, graduating with the Dean’s Medal in Science. She was president of the Biology and Chemistry student association, an ACC student representative, and completed research into LNP particles and fish cell lines.
Katriana is currently in her 4th year of the DVM program at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, where she is an active member of multiple class committees. She was an executive in the WCVM equine club, organizing education days for local 4-H and pony club members and attended the OEPS 2024 conference. She was Co-President of Vetavision 2024, a multi-day open-house event run entirely by students that sees thousands of visitors to the WCVM. In her spare time, Katriana is a dedicated artist who loves to draw portraits of people and animals. She also loves to combine her veterinary and artistic skills, and in her third year of her DVM she hand-painted an 18-foot-long mural at the WCVM that portrays the anatomy of the major veterinary species. She also enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, and riding English and Western.
