Kyra McLellan
Saskatchewan native Kyra McLellan will use her Schulich Leader Scholarship to help her shoot for the stars when she begins her first year studying space engineering at York University this fall.
The teen was one of 25 high school graduates across Canada who received the prestigious $80,000 scholarship for students entering an undergraduate program in engineering.
The scholarship, which was created by Canadian business leader and philanthropist Seymour Schulich in 2011, provides funding at 20 universities across Canada. It provides scholarships of $80,000 to 25 undergraduate students enrolled engineering, and scholarships of $60,000 to 25 undergraduates pursuing a non-engineering degrees in science, technology or mathematics.
Canadian high schools and Cégeps submit nominees who show their academic excellence, leadership in school and community life, and entrepreneurial talent. Universities then review nominees that apply to their school and select the recipients.
Nominations for the 2016 scholarships will be accepted starting in September 2015.
McLellan achieved a gold (90 per cent and above) academic level standing in Grade 10 through 12 at Melfort and Unit Comprehensive Collegiate. In addition to her academic success, she plays an active role in school activities such as school council and fundraising, and participates in several extra-curricular pursuits including dance, violin, teaching and more. The up-and-coming engineer has also enhanced her space exploration education by purchasing an 8-inch Orion Dobsonian Telescope.
She was nominated for the scholarship by her guidance counsellor.
McLellan was one of 50 recipients selected from this year’s record-breaking 1,250 nominees.
Nadav Gasner
York University also selected Nadav Gasner as the recipient of the $60,000 scholarship. Gasner was accepted into to the Faculty of Science, but has deferred his admission.
To date, the Schulich Leader Scholarships have been awarded to 170 students across Canada, distributing more than $11 million.
"Fostering leadership in STEM fields is vital to Canada's economic prosperity," said Schulich. "It is immensely important to invest in the next generation of technology innovators as they develop and hone their minds and skills to contribute to our national and global community. This country has already produced exceptional Schulich Leaders since its founding in 2011."