Hard work and perseverance have paid off for two Parry Sound High School graduating students as they were recognized with prestigious Schulich awards this spring.
Grade 12 students Paige West and Ceci Martens have both been recognized by the Schulich Foundation for their academic achievements in the skilled trades (West) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) (Martens).
West was chosen as a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Award for students pursuing post-secondary education in the skilled trades. She is the first PSHS student to ever win this award.
Paige’s award is intended to combat the shortage of skilled trades in Ontario and amplify their importance and value to our communities. Award winners are identified and nominated within their schools as being responsible, hardworking, dedicated people with a strong work ethic and character. West will be attending Cambrian College in Sudbury in the fall to study in the Electrical Engineering Technician Program.
Ceci Martens has been named as a recipient of the prestigious Schulich Leaders award valued at $100,000. This award, geared toward students in STEM fields, not only provides significant financial support to winners but also connects them with a network of mentors within their fields of study.
Ceci says that she was in a state of shock and disbelief when she received the news that she had won a Schulich Leader Scholarship.
“This award will take the financial stress off my time at university and allow me to pursue opportunities such as research and internships during the summer,” Martens said. “I am also looking forward to meeting a network of like-minded students and mentors.”
Martens will be studying Mathematics and Statistics at McMaster University in the fall, intending to pursue a career in digital encryption.
“I first learned about encryption at math camp at the University of Ottawa in Grade 10. It fascinated me because it was a practical application of my two favourite areas of math, number theory and abstract algebra.”
“My teachers at PSHS have been incredibly supportive, and I would especially like to thank Mr. Loewen, my physics and calculus teacher, for encouraging me to apply for this scholarship,” Martens said.
While she is not yet sure exactly what her dream job would be, Martens said she is excited to see what opportunities await her in the field of mathematics and encryption. She has advice for like-minded students.
“My advice for younger students with an interest in math is to remember that math is a very broad subject, ranging from purely abstract proofs to applications in most areas of science,” Martens said. “One of the most valuable experiences I have had with math is my participation in math contests, and I would encourage younger students to try them out.”
This is the second consecutive year that Near North District School Board students have received Schulich awards. Last year, Almaguin Highlands Secondary School student Keith Rubin won the $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship for engineering. Rubin was the first AHSS student to win a Schulich award.
