Delburne student Eythan Young was the recipient of a coveted $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship.
The scholarship will help Young while he studies engineering at the University of Alberta, starting in this fall.
The criteria for the award includes academic excellence, leadership ability, and financial need. Each high school can only nominate one student. From among the 1,500 nominees each year in Canada, only 100 scholarships are given out to students who will each attend one of 20 partner universities.
“I was thrilled to even be selected as my school’s nominee. And then late one evening, when I was at home, I got an email. I opened it and it said I will receive this scholarship. My mom started jumping for joy. We were so excited. It was unbelievable!" said Young, from Delburne Centralized School, in a statement.
Schulich Leader Scholarships are focused on students who will take STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) studies in an undergraduate program in Canada.
Young applied for the scholarship at both the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta, and was elated that the U of A selected him.
He hopes to enter the mechanical engineering program in the second year of his studies, and then explore career options within the engineering field. He also wants to participate in the U of A’s co-op program to gain real world experience.
In addition to receiving a Schulich Scholarship, Young is Delburne School’s valedictorian this year.
“Eythan has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership and personal integrity throughout his high school career," said principal Jocelyn Pennock.
He is the founder and leader of the school's 3D printing club, where he has inspired peers with his passion for innovation and problem solving, she said.
“Under Eythan’s leadership, the club has grown into a space where students explore new technologies, collaborate on projects, and develop critical thinking skills.”
Pennock said Young treats others with respect and compassion, and exemplifies the character and leadership that the Delburne school hopes to instill in all of its students.
Delburne teacher Rob Simpson wrote in a letter of support for the scholarship, saying Young had “genuine curiosity, a strong work ethic, unwavering determination to excel and passion to pursue studies in the engineering field.”
Simpson noted his academic excellence, and said Young also “works tirelessly to make positive contributions in his community."
Delburne teacher Nicholas Schultz said Young has created innovative projects on his own, for instance, a remote-controlled race car and a 3D art piece that has an electric motor and gears.
Schultz said he was impressed with Young’s leadership in the 3D printing club, and that Young has a gift for combining the physical and digital worlds, and art with engineering.
"(Young) has been able to, and willing, to help his peers succeed in their courses, and they are grateful to him for his kind and patient way," the teacher said.
Young thanked his mom for her support, and his teachers.
"My mom says I used to struggle in school. I’ve improved a lot over the years, and my mom and the teachers have helped me succeed."
Young said he appreciates coming from a kindergarten to Grade 12 school.
“We are a small school, where I am graduating with people I’ve known since kindergarten. One big advantage of that is the teachers who knew me and personalized their support just for me.”
His mom, Jody Young, said her son has come really far.
“Eythan’s Dad and I are immensely proud of the hard work, dedication and determination he has put towards his academics; his courage to go outside his comfort zone and engage in athletics; and the support he has given us at our small business," his mom said.
"The teachers and staff at Delburne School helped get him to where he is today and we appreciate the support they have shown our child and family. We are beyond grateful to the Schulich Foundation and the University of Alberta for offering him this esteemed scholarship and for the opportunities and doors this scholarship will open for our son."
