Not one but two Grand Erie students with an aptitude for STEM have landed one of Canada’s most prestigious scholarships to start their university studies.
Not one but two Grand Erie students with an aptitude for STEM have landed one of Canada’s most prestigious scholarships to start their university studies.
Jack Gillespie, a graduate of North Park Collegiate in Brantford, and Judy Gao, a graduate of McKinnon Park Secondary School in Caledonia, are among an elite group of learners to receive this year’s Schulich Leader scholarship, valued at $100,000.
The pair was selected from among 1,400 student nominations across the country. Just 100 winners are chosen.
“We’re incredibly proud of our graduates for reaching this milestone,” said JoAnna Roberto, director of education for the Grand Erie District School Board. “Receiving a scholarship is a testament to your commitment and potential and signifies the faith that others have in your abilities to succeed.”
Recognizing the increasing importance of STEM disciplines, the Schulich Leaders scholarship fund was established in 2012 to foster the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded, technology innovators.
The entrance scholarships are awarded to students embarking on science, technology math or engineering post-secondary programs.
“I’ve always been focused on academics but, throughout high school, I’ve come out of my shell a bit more and discovered what I was passionate about,” said Gillespie, who honed his work ethic and leadership skills through the STEAM club (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
Gillespie credits the encouraging educators at North Park for helping him further explore his interest in physics.
“My teachers have been a big part of helping me focus on my goals, and the students are really great here, too — a lot of smart people have helped me along the way.”
Gillespie is heading to McMaster University in the fall with plans to eventually pursue a career in space exploration.
“I want to help expand humanity’s horizons and challenge what we think is possible,” he said.
Gao said she has benefitted from many opportunities offered at McKinnon Park. She credits her time on student council, participation in the DECA business competition, membership in the math club, and leadership as part of Connect, the school’s orientation program easing the transition for incoming Grade 9 students, with building her skills and confidence.
“Teachers and team advisers were always there for guidance and encouraged me to think outside the box,” said Gao. “And by joining clubs and trying new things, I’ve learned a lot about connecting with people and hearing everyone’s voices.”
Gao will be studying math and business at Western University in September, a combination of disciplines that will allow her to continue problem-solving creatively from both quantitative and innovative perspectives.
“Where there are challenges, there are also a lot of opportunities, and I think we’ll see this more and more with technology as a tool for achieving other goals.”
Roberto said Grand Erie has numerous scholarship and award winners this year from across the district who will be starting their post-secondary educational journeys with not only financial support, but also recognition of their talents, achievements and hard work.
Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines will have on the prosperity of future generations, businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established his $200-plus million scholarship fund in 2012 to encourage the best and brightest students to become Schulich Leader Scholars.
Recipients pursuing an engineering degree receive $120,000, and those working toward a science, technology or math degree receive $100,000 to study at one of 20 partner universities.
“Schulich Leader Scholarships enable Canada’s top universities to attract and retain our exceptional STEM talent here at home, empowering them to become the innovators and entrepreneurs our country needs,” said Schulich, a self-made billionaire whose career has spanned stock brokerage, investment counselling, mining and the oil industry.
“When these scholars go on to drive prosperity and strengthen our economy, Canada must ensure the right economic conditions exist so they can build their promising futures here. Supporting their entrepreneurial ambition is essential for turning Canadian ingenuity into lasting national success.”
Every high school in Canada can submit one Schulich Leader nominee per academic year based on academic excellence in STEM, entrepreneurial leadership and financial need.
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