Kushman Buttar

Buttar is bringing a broad range of experience with her into the Price Faculty of Engineering this fall. Throughout high school at Maples MET School, she dedicated her time outside classes to join and lead community initiatives, research projects, and extracurricular computer science programs. Now, as a Schulich Leader, she is taking her passions to the next level at UM.

As dedicated learner and leader, Buttar jumps into new projects and creates new opportunities for those in her community when she sees a need. She fostered her computer science skills by participating in several different programs and contests, including the High School Big Data Challenge, Technovation Girls Challenge, Shad Canada, and Girls Who Code. Additionally, she has ventured into the world of sustainability and environmental innovation, working with engineers at Manitoba Hydro on energy solutions and studying ecosystems at the University of Manitoba. She even spearheaded a prairie landscape renewal initiative in her community. Over the course of three years, she led a team of peers planting over 400 native plants across her school grounds, and she involved the broader community by leading workshops with local elementary school students.

Buttar credits her achievements to her mindset, which is geared towards change, growth, and persevering through setbacks. Her leadership style is entrepreneurial, and her goal is to be an engineer who develops new technologies that serve people, communities, and the environment, which she can introduce as cost-effective solutions in the Canadian market. As Schulich Leader and engineering student at the University of Manitoba, she is well on her way to that goal.

Ayla Thomas

Thomas, a 2025 graduate of Balmoral Hall School, is joining the physics department at the university this fall. Her innate curiosity and enthusiasm for learning have led her to explore a wide variety of scientific pursuits. Throughout high school, she sought out extra learning opportunities, attending university lectures, teaching herself coding, volunteering at the Manitoba Museum’s Science Gallery, and more.

Thomas’ involvement in her school’s robotics team highlights not only her expertise in robotics, but also her leadership skills. She served as the team’s Programming Lead, using creativity and critical thinking to debug code and come up with tournament strategies. She also served a community-building role on her team, encouraging collaboration and drawing from her teammate’s strengths. As evidence of her exceptional leadership abilities, Thomas’ team was recognised for spirit, professionalism, teamwork, and engagement in their 2024 robotics competition. Then, in 2025, they were recognized for connecting with the local STEM community.

As a self-identifying community citizen, Thomas’ ability to turn her passions into community initiatives is one of her greatest strengths. For instance, at Balmoral Hall she produced several videos to express her appreciation for high school robotics, including an entire documentary on the subject. She also employed her skillset as a member of the stage crew for her school musical, helping to design props and sets. In the wider community, she put her technical expertise to use by working on the Tech Crew at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Thomas consistently finds ways to transfer her creativity and problem-solving skills from STEM to communities in the arts.

At the University of Manitoba, Thomas intends to build her knowledge in physics, robotics, and computer science, with a special interest in their applications for aerospace engineering. In particular, she is pursuing more energy-efficient and renewable methods of space exploration. As Thomas continues to advance her learning and grow as a leader, UM is proud to support her.

Congratulations, Schulich Leaders! We wish you success in your studies.

The Schulich Leader Scholarships have been awarded to UM students since 2012 to high school graduates starting their studies in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) at the university. The Schulich Leader Scholarship is a national scholarship awarded annually to high school graduates starting their studies at one of 20 participating universities from across the country. Students receive awards valued at $100,000 for science, technology or math and $120,000 for engineering.

Schulich Leaders are students who demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset, strong leadership qualities and academic excellence. The Schulich Foundation recognizes the roles Schulich Leaders play in pushing the STEM field and forward supports students in their studies. Through the scholarship, the Foundation supports future leaders and encourages students to continue to be leaders in their respective fields.

Landon Reid, Schulich Leader Scholarship recepient

Reid’s passion and interest in engineering and science more generally dates back to his leadership experience at school and in his community. Through his school, Reid tutored students, notably helping those in French immersion online during 2021 to 2022, demonstrating creativity and resilience in the face of virtual teaching and support. He worked with students as young as those in first grade, supporting their educational needs and helping them with their homework. In the community, his leadership extends to his three years volunteering as a hockey coach with younger and older players.

By being a leader, Reid has demonstrated his ability to take initiative. In his industrial arts courses, he started an engine repair club and used his experience in his courses to start a small business venture designing and fabricating products for sale out of scrap materials. He even designed custom jigs to assist in an efficient creation process. From the design, fabrication, and marketing, Reid was heavily involved in all the stages of production, which he cites as a great source of motivation for his goals to one day have his own engineering firm.

Outside of his studies, Reid’s initiatives in the industrial arts extends to his leadership role in designing and repairing. He helped with both the design and the construction of a 7,000-square-foot greenhouse in his community, which was built to maximize solar radiation intake. He also took on a leadership role at his local ice rink, teaching himself the ins and outs of the rink’s ice re-surfacer and fixing it by himself as an aside to his coaching duties.

The Schulich Leader Scholarships have been awarded to UM students since 2012 to high school graduates starting their studies in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) at the university. The Schulich Leader Scholarship is a national scholarship awarded annually to high school graduates starting their studies at one of 20 participating universities from across the country. Students receive awards valued at $100,000 for science, technology or math and $120,000 for engineering.

Schulich Leaders are students who demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset, strong leadership qualities and academic excellence. The Schulich Foundation recognizes the roles Schulich Leaders play in pushing the STEM field and forward supports students in their studies. Through the scholarship, the Foundation supports future leaders and encourages students to continue to be leaders in their respective fields.

Gregory Petryk, Schulich Leader Scholarship recepient.

Petryk’s leadership skills started with his time at Oak Park High School. He was a member of the Oak Park Peer Tutoring program helping students with math, science, and physics. For Petryk, his interest in science comes from “how they can be applied to daily problems, making life easier.”

By being a leader and a role model for the field of STEM through tutoring, he demonstrated communication skills and creativity to help his school’s community. His tutoring continues to this day, being there to help those who may otherwise not seek out guidance for their studies.

He was a member of Oak Park’s Philanthropy committee which helped school events. Here, Petryk bridged the gap between the school and the community. As one of the students involved with interviews, it is with his input that the committee could assess organizations’ capacities to contribute to the school and the community.

Although a student in STEM, Oak Park High School was also a space for Petryk to get involved with the arts, specifically music. Serving as a section leader for three bands at Oak Park, his music experience taught him valuable communication skills and how to both provide and receive feedback, often being a guide for the band. His musical pursuits have continued into university where he was accepted into the UM’s Wind Ensemble where he will participate in an outreach tour to inspire students in Northern Manitoba.

Petryk hopes to use these skills he developed as a leader in high school to pursue his passions and his studies in Mathematics to reach more people and support them where they are at. As a Schulich Leader, Petryk is one student of many in a network of students wanting to help bring positive change to their communities: “[The Schulich Leader Scholarship] connects me to other Schulich Leaders, who can show me issues they are passionate about, which allows me to help more people, as the first step in being able to help is knowing there’s a problem.”

Since 2012, UM has awarded Schulich Leader Scholarships to high school graduates beginning their post-secondary studies in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM). The Schulich Leader Scholarship selects students across Canada annually for awards valued at $100,000 for science, technology or math and $120,000 for engineering.  

Schulich Leaders are some of this generation’s best entrepreneurial-minded students aspiring towards a career in STEM, and were carefully selected for their exceptional leadership qualities. With support from the Schulich Foundation, both recipients are delighted to dedicate themselves to their future goals and make an impact as students, scholars, leaders and community members.  

SIMAR UBHI 
Price Faculty of Engineering

As a high school student, Simar Ubhi’s hard work and persistence led him to different types of success in programming. In 2023, his next step is to pursue an education in computer engineering.  

“It was only in grade 9 or 10 that I got really into computers and programming. Now, it’s just a natural extension of what I still do,” says Ubhi. He found that his interests and past projects have all revolved around programming, and he couldn’t be in a better position to continue in this direction.  

After learning to code from YouTube videos within a 10-month period during the pandemic, he didn’t hesitate to use his skills to help the community. He volunteered as a website developer for non-profit organizations, which provided opportunities to improve on his website development skills and fostered a greater appreciation for the non-profit sector.  

Ubhi then founded his own non-profit organization, Developers of Change, last year with the purpose of supporting two critical sides of the software development industry—the organizations that require quality website development services, and the developers and designers in the early stages of their careers who lack practical experience in the industry. Developers of Change provides website building services for certain organizations with the help of volunteers looking to expand their skillsets.  

Within the walls of Kildonan-East Collegiate, Ubhi also founded the Hack Club where student members are able to delve into the intricacies of technology, learn from workshops facilitated by Ubhi himself and gain inspiration for future self-directed projects.  

Innovation is the foundation of progress in any industry, and Ubhi is exactly in the middle of it. He competed at the Skills Canada National Competition for Web Technologies in 2023 and will be part of Team Canada at WorldSkills in France in 2024 where he will be amongst the best of the best in vocational skills.  

Ubhi also holds the position of Squadron Deputy Commander in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. The program has been instrumental in the development of his leadership skills, which he now humbly reflects on as he leads over 100 cadets.  

With all of his success, Ubhi thanks his parents and close friends for their endless support through the scholarship selection process and through every step that brought him to this position. He’s also thrilled to represent his high school and the teachers that have helped him through the years. “I feel like my school isn’t often recognized for academic achievements, so that was a big moment for me,” says Ubhi.  

He looks forward to connecting with other students and joining the network of scholars with similar interests, who will not only contribute to his success but also move the industry forward. “The Schulich Leader network will aid my mission, a mission not focused on becoming a software engineer employee but on becoming an innovator in STEM fields and beyond,” Ubhi wrote in his application to the scholarship. Most of all, Ubhi is excited to take part in student clubs and design teams at UM, and finding all possible ways to gain specialized experience in the industry.

CODY MCDONALD 
Faculty of Science

In 2020, Cody McDonald was learning to code and build websites when he suddenly had the perfect idea: to start his own project with the goal of preserving Canada’s many Indigenous languages. Mishkum Clothing and Designs was then launched as one of the only online brands that exclusively feature Indigenous languages and syllabics.  

“Out of the 70 Indigenous languages in Canada, only three of them are considered to have a sustainable level of speakers,” says McDonald. With several languages having fewer and fewer speakers or knowledge-keepers with every generation, he is ready to shape his personal goals and career around preserving Indigenous languages and cultures.  

This e-commerce project allowed McDonald to design several products highlighting the Indigenous languages Michif, Cree and Inuktitut, but it also provided opportunities for him to delve into other practical skills including basic coding, taxation processes, navigating the international supply chain and other entrepreneurial skills.  

McDonald is now beginning his studies to earn a bachelor of science with a focus on actuarial mathematics, then his work will focus on the preservation of Indigenous languages by creating and distributing products that feature them.  

“There aren’t very many resources on Indigenous languages right now,” says McDonald. “I always try to find a bookstore or something online when trying to learn more about some of these languages and that’s one way I like to connect with my own heritage in my everyday life.”  

As a Michif person, he is excited to take the Michif class offered at UM, and to connect with people who are just as passionate about the language as he is. A unique experience such as learning the language with other Indigenous students and doing so directly from an elder will undoubtedly make an impact on McDonald’s connection to his heritage.  

While this business idea stems from McDonald’s own personal interests, it is clear that many individuals around the world will benefit from his work. Perhaps, he may even inspire the future students to see the value in living histories and take action in protecting them for the younger generations. Additionally, McDonald was named one of this year’s Indigenous Leaders of Tomorrow, truly speaking to his vast potential as a leader, community member and beyond.   

 The Schulich Leader Scholarship is awarded every year to students enrolling in STEM programs at Canadian universities. Ubhi and McDonald were selected for the award based on their academic achievements, leadership and community service.  

Since 2012, UM has awarded Schulich Leader Scholarships to high school graduates beginning their post-secondary education in the Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) areas of study. The Schulich Leader Scholarship selects students across Canada annually, with awards valued at $80,000 and $100,000.

Rebekah Soneye

For Soneye, one introductory computer science class in high school eventually unfolded into an entire passion. Her fascination for the subject grew with every class she took and learning new aspects enthused her every day. She is now beginning her postsecondary education in computer science within the Faculty of Science, as one of this year’s two Schulich Leader Scholarship recipients at the University of Manitoba.

As a student whose only goal is to learn more about what she loves, the disparity between men and women in the field baffles her. “In my [first] computer science class, I was one of three females, and the other two dropped the class in the years that followed,” says Soneye.

This reality propelled her to make a difference. She attended many conferences and followed opportunities that set her up to advance in the field not just as an individual but also as a woman of colour. Inspired by female mentors in the industry, Soneye wants to do the same for those after her.

She started the Girls Tech Club at Murdoch MacKay Collegiate where she taught coding skills to other female students and showed them that pursuing a successful and rewarding career in computer science is achievable despite it being a male-dominated industry.

Having grown up in Nigeria before immigrating to Canada, her experiences and background offer a unique outlook on education. She sets high standards for herself and works diligently to achieve them.

Moving to a new country was a significant transition for Soneye and her whole family, yet she remained consistently excellent. She and her sisters co-founded an apparel and sticker e-commerce business to help financially support their family while also making an impact on others. Sharing motivational and compassionate messages through their products has created a sense of community and moments of positivity for their customers. As she continues to rise to every occasion, she thanks her family for their countless sacrifices and endless support throughout her success and education.

From inspiring the next generation of girls in computer science to helping others in need, actively giving back to her community remains one of Soneye’s top priorities. As for what the future holds, Soneye hopes to launch a technology start-up that redefines cyber security and makes the internet a safer place for the upcoming generation. This rewarding career will allow her to use her skills to help those around her and reach an even bigger population.

Her high school computer science teacher, Janis Ollson, saw what set Soneye apart from others. “Unlike many students who are goal-orientated, Rebekah is just as driven to give to others as she is driven toward success for herself. She quickly became a leader who I could count on to help other students who were struggling,” says Ollson in her endorsement letter for Soneye. “Rebekah is always happy to help and a gracious mentor.”

While being named a Schulich Leader is a significant step in advancing Soneye’s professional career, she sees this opportunity as something bigger than herself. She is humbled to be a part of a group of like-minded scholars and is proud to be an example for other women of colour and young girls who have ever doubted their ability to succeed in STEM.

She is ready to embrace new beginnings and widen her perspective on the world. She looks forward to meeting new peers from different backgrounds and experiences; people that she can get to know while also challenging her ways of thinking.

Marina Caracas Le-Fort

The field of technology is versatile and continuously evolving, and Nelson McIntyre Collegiate graduate Marina Caracas Le-Fort is in the perfect position to lead it into the future.

Le-Fort is joining the Price Faculty of Engineering as one of the University of Manitoba’s Schulich Leader Scholarship recipients in 2022. She understands the impact that technology can have on the world and thus, choosing this career path was a simple choice. “It has the potential to help so many people, and I love when I can use my skills to help others,” she says.

With computer engineering at the heart of her passions, Le-Fort is ready to carve her own path in applying technological advances to solve some of the world’s most complex problems. She’s excited to discover what else she can learn and do in the future, but her achievements prior to a postsecondary education are already nothing short of remarkable.

Le-Fort automated the previously time-consuming shipping process for Tag4MyPet, a small family business. Eager to help, it only took her three impressive hours of work to learn about a programming language she was unfamiliar with in order to expedite the shipping process. This provided Le-Fort with practical experiences where she improved her leadership and technical skills while solving a problem for a business.

As the former co-chair of the Youth United Way Chapter in high school, she founded Safe in St. Boniface, a project that developed a simple way for people to access information on community support and resources. Le-Fort designed an asset map of drop-in and mobile services in the area, with key information on what the resources offer that were then distributed to community members.

“It gave me a chance to get close to members of the community, hear them out and create something in the end that would help them,” says Le-Fort.

Her parents, and greatest source of inspiration, have always led by example and taught her to help others. Volunteering in multiple shelters was commonplace for their family. Le-Fort and her family immigrated from Brazil to Canada in 2016 – an undoubtedly challenging transition in her life. With her inquisitive and self-motivated nature, however, she used this time to explore the language of computers and that led her to where she is today.

Her teachers have always known that she deserves the Schulich Leader Scholarship. Nelson McIntyre Collegiate teacher Ryan Sabourin sings Le-Fort’s praises in his endorsement letter for her: “Marina is a person of reflection and action and, in her own way, personally contributes to a better world. Suffice to say that she is going to do something extraordinary in her life. This scholarship can be an activator to help her continue to make a difference in this world.”

It’s not lost on Le-Fort that being able to receive a university education is a privilege in and of itself. To learn more about what she loves, to be able to explore her curiosities, to challenge herself in different ways every day and above all, to be able to take all of her knowledge and skills and give back to the world. As one of the newest Schulich Scholars, she will only continue to find success in her bright future.

The Schulich Leader Scholarship is awarded every year to students enrolling in STEM programs at Canadian universities. Soneye and Le-Fort were selected for the award based on their academic achievements, leadership and community service.

Thomson is developing an implantable, artificial pancreas to help control insulin release in individuals with diabetes. At this time, the technology is available as treatment, but these systems still require external intervention to replenish insulin levels and are therefore limited.

With Thomson’s research in developing an implantable, artificial organ, her goal is to use science and technology to address the limitations of existing treatments and in turn improve patient outcomes as well as the quality of life for people who depend on such technology. 

“It’s valuable to know that I’m working on research that can have a meaningful impact in the future,” says Thomson. “It’s motivating to know that I can apply my diverse skill set to solve a problem that doesn’t have a good solution at the moment.”

As a Schulich scholar, she had the opportunity to connect with and be inspired by many people who were also working on interesting and innovative projects in the Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) fields of study. The Schulich Leader Scholarship enabled her to focus on research programs, experiences and priorities that would make the best of her education.

Even after graduating with her undergraduate degree at UM and going on to graduate studies, Thomson still participated in panels and other virtual events and networking sessions within the Schulich Foundation. Doing so has helped her stay connected to the organization.

The Schulich scholarship was only the beginning of her success story. Since being a Schulich scholar, her excellence has been recognized by multiple institutions and scholarship committees across the country. In 2017, Thomson became the third recipient of the Order of the White Rose scholarship. This $30,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a Canadian, female engineering student at the master’s or doctoral level, highlighting women making significant contributions to engineering and celebrating the achievements of women in a primarily male-dominated field.

Thomson encourages all students, especially those early in their post-secondary education, to get involved as much as possible. “Take advantage of as many opportunities and programs as you can. Try to expand your horizons beyond your degree,” she says.

To simply participate and be present is instrumental to getting involved and making an impact on campus, just as Ella Thomson has. 

About Schulich Leader Scholarships:

The University of Manitoba is proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Schulich Leader Scholarships. The scholarship was established in 2012 to encourage the next generation of brilliant students to pursue careers in STEM. The $100+ million scholarship fund allows students to fulfill their ambitions and leave an impact on the world.

Read more about this year’s Schulich Leaders and the scholarship.

For more information visit: schulichleaders10.com. If you’re a company looking to hire Canada’s top STEM talent, let us know here.

At only 16 years of age, she is looking forward to taking the first step towards her dream of pushing the limits of science.

“I tried my best in all subjects, but I found that it is easier for me to enjoy those in science and mathematics,” Cuevas says. “Once I came across engineering and specifically biosystems engineering, reading about the program helped me realize that this is a path for me.”

Cuevas is excited about the highly competitive program’s biological aspects and the challenge of merging them with engineering. She is also intrigued by the many real-world applications of the knowledge and experiences she hopes to gain in the field, such as using innovative technology to address global sustainability issues.

When Cuevas and her family immigrated to Canada from the Philippines in October 2019, she needed to adjust to major changes. Life in a new country was, in some ways, a daunting and unpredictable experience, and coupled with the pandemic, it was a momentous personal transition for Cuevas. Despite these challenges, her dedication to doing well in her studies remained unchanged.

After attending her first week of classes at St. John’s High School, Cuevas’s teachers were in immediate awe of her intelligence and work ethic. The school granted her an acceleration after she excelled at academic assessments, allowing her to complete her grade 10 and grade 11 years in less than half the usual time and graduate early. Nominating her as the school’s representative for this year’s Schulich Leader Scholarship was a clear choice.

“Darlene is a leader, an organizer, a thinker, a dreamer, an athlete and above all, an empathic connector who is able to bring people together in service for a greater cause,” Phoebe Proven, St. John’s High School guidance counsellor, says in her endorsement letter for Cuevas. “It takes a pretty incredible person to move to the other side of the world, start a new life in a new city and a new high school and still rise up to claim the top academic spot. Darlene inspires those around her to be the best version of themselves. This gifted and hard-working young woman will be one to lead us all.”

Cuevas’s achievements included serving as the co-chair of her high school’s Youth in Philanthropy Committee, an initiative that allowed Cuevas and the committee to support charitable organizations in Winnipeg through financial donations and volunteer work.

She was also a founding member and the Filipino representative in the Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) Student Union at St. John’s, a student group whose objectives include raising awareness about historical events that are not included in regular history curricula. The group also provides opportunities for students to learn about other cultures – an even more special part for Cuevas. Not only did she take an active role in discussing issues that impact marginalized groups, but she also continued to learn about other cultures in Winnipeg and enriched her perspectives of the world.

Beyond receiving $100,000 to allow her to focus on her education, being named a Schulich Leader has an even greater meaning for Cuevas: “I see this opportunity as a responsibility to fulfill that end goal of making change. The Schulich Foundation awards these scholarships to fund young students who would contribute to innovation in the future, who would help our world be a better place for all who live in it.”

The Schulich Leader Scholarship is awarded every year to students enrolling in a STEM program at a Canadian university. Cuevas was selected for the entrance award based on her academic achievements, leadership, and community service. She is one of two UM students to receive the award this year. Read about the other student, Jordon Hong.

Hong’s decision to pursue a career in computer science stems from his interests in middle school, with video games and coding being central to his hobbies at the time. Playing video games may not seem like a common starting point for someone’s academic career, but Hong’s story exemplifies a student’s ability to find their calling when they have the chance to focus on areas of their education and interests that fascinate them most.

“I realized that applications of technology had the power to positively impact the world,” Hong says, as he looks forward to being a leader in this evolving industry. “There are so many ways to use computer science. It is a really versatile field and a much needed job sector in the world right now.”

Hong’s interest lies in exploring the intersection between society, linguistics, and technology, and he’s determined to find his own career path without confining himself to a mold. Working with language in computing is an area where he thinks he can integrate his skills and education in computer science with his curiosity for languages. “There are lots of ways for technology to help preserve many dying languages and help keep them alive for future generations by making them accessible online,” he says.

Another application that he hopes to engage in is natural language processing, which involves programming computer systems to understand and interpret information from text and speech the way that humans can. He is particularly interested in analyzing the role that programming language has in creating and promoting biases, such as a lack of diversity in systems with English being a dominant language.

While attending Miles Macdonell Collegiate, one of Hong’s most rewarding experiences was becoming a leader for the school chapter of Makers Making Change, a larger organization with a mission to connect makers, like engineers, hobbyists and more, with people with physical disabilities. The chapter was involved in making assistive technology more accessible to people who need it.

He was also the founder of his high school’s Hack Club as there was previously no space for students to take part in coding programming at the school. Creating possibilities for students to connect through programming is another way that Hong has actively contributed to addressing barriers some people face when engaging in this area of study.

 “These are just some examples of how technology can be used for many different things, these ones being for the community itself,” Hong explains. “I believe the world needs leaders in science devoted to technology for community, not for commercialism.”

Now being named as a Schulich Leader and being awarded an $80,000 scholarship, this is only the beginning for Hong. “It is a big honour to be named a Scholar. Being able to join the network of other Scholars and collaborating with them on other projects is very exciting,” says Hong, as he is eager to learn and draw inspiration from other Scholars’ work.

The teachers at Miles Macdonell who recommended him for the scholarship see nothing but good things for him in the future.

“This young man is one of the most passionate, intelligent, intuitive, ambitious and kind-hearted students I have taught in nearly 24 years of teaching high school,” Stacey Pellaers, his international baccalaureate biology teacher, says in her endorsement letter for Hong. “His drive to succeed, and more importantly, to make his mark on the world in a way that leaves it better than he found it, is admirable and enviable. Jordon has gifts that he knows how to hone, develop and cherish in a way that I truly believe will be a huge benefit to science, technology and society.”

The Schulich Leader Scholarship is awarded every year to students enrolling in a STEM program at a Canadian university. Hong was selected for the entrance award based on his academic achievements, leadership, and community service. He is one of two UM students to receive the award this year. Read about the other student, Darlene Cuevas.

Since 2012, the university has awarded this scholarship to high school graduates beginning their post-secondary education in the Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) areas of study. The Schulich Leader Scholarship selects students across Canada annually, with awards valued at $80,000 and $100,000.

Cuevas’s efforts as a student, volunteer and community member shows her commitment to using her skills and education to help address issues faced by the world today.

While Cuevas has always tried her best in all subjects, she realized that she naturally gravitates towards science and math. She has accepted an offer of admission to the Price Faculty of Engineering and is looking forward to specializing in biosystems engineering in the future.

“It’s an honour to have the opportunity to study my passions and achieve my dreams,” says Cuevas. “”Especially as a woman and also a person of colour, I know not everyone has access to the same opportunities. It’s even more important for me to make sure this opportunity doesn’t go to waste and to contribute to the betterment of humanity wherever life places me, even through the small things I do every day.”

Hong’s teachers and mentors have always been impressed by his intelligence and capabilities, but even more by his eagerness to learn. Whether it is in the classroom, as part of a sports team or in any volunteer roles, he never fails to rise to the occasion.

Hong has accepted an offer of admission to the Faculty of Science with the intention to focus on computer science. “It’s an incredibly versatile field with the capability of solving global problems,” he says.

His interest in video games in his childhood, resulting in the unequivocal decision to pursue a meaningful career in computer science, is the perfect example of students discovering their potential to shape their future. He is excited to continue broadening his understanding of the many ways by which computer science and technology apply to real-world issues.

Aside from the honour that comes with the scholarship, Hong is “interested in seeing what other Schulich Leaders at UM are doing, the projects they’re working on, and learning from them as an incoming Scholar.”

About Schulich Leader Scholarships Canada

Seymour Schulich, a Canadian business leader and philanthropist, established the Schulich Leader Scholarship in 2012 to encourage the next generation of brilliant students to pursue careers in STEM. The $100+ million scholarship fund allows students to fulfill their ambitions and leave an impact on the world.

The Schulich Foundation awards these entrance scholarships to up to 100 promising high school graduates enrolling in a STEM undergraduate program. Applicants are nominated through their high schools, with every high school submitting only one Schulich Leader Nominee per academic year. Winners are selected based on the following criteria: outstanding community, business or entrepreneurial leadership and academic excellence.

Read more about Jordon Hong

Read more about Darlene Cuevas

2021 Schulich Leader Darlene Sofia Cuevas

A 16-year-old student at Winnipeg’s St. John’s High School won a coveted $100,000 scholarship to study engineering, and her guidance counsellor who nominated her for the award says it couldn’t have gone to a more deserving person. 

Darlene Sofia Cuevas is one of 100 recipients of prestigious Schulich Leaders scholarships, which are given to undergraduate students studying science, technology, engineering and math.

Cuevas remembers getting a call from the organization and thinking it was for an impromptu interview.

“I just remember my body started really shaking and after the call I just broke down crying and I felt really grateful,” she told CBC Manitoba TV news host Janet Stewart on Wednesday.

The scholarships are given on the basis of academic excellence, leadership, creativity and charisma, all of which Cuevas has in spades, her guidance counsellor says.

“There’s something about Darlene that I don’t have a word for, that’s a very, very special quality.… Just something bright on the horizon to see what Darlene will do with her life and with her gifts, which are many,” Phoebe Proven said.

“I am just so excited to see what Darlene chooses to do in the future. I think we’re going to see some world-changing things.”

Cuevas plans to study biosystems engineering at the University of Manitoba and is very excited to start studying, albeit virtually for now.

Read the full CBC story online.