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.
Nadav Gasner, of Downsview, was chosen as the recipient of a $60,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. Gasner was accepted into York’s Faculty of Science, but has deferred his admission.
The two are among 50 recipients selected from this year’s record-breaking 1,250 nominees for the scholarship, which was created by Canadian business leader and philanthropist Seymour Schulich in 2011, and 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.
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.
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."
Nominations for the 2016 scholarships will be accepted starting in September 2015.
York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York U’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre. York U is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York U’s 11 faculties and 25 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 280 leading universities worldwide. York U’s community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 275,000 alumni.
Media Contact:
Janice Walls, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 2100 ext. 22101 / wallsj@yorku.ca
