Arielle Ainabe, a Grade 12 student at Garth Webb Secondary School in Oakville, has been awarded a prestigious
Schulich Leader Scholarship, valued at $100,000.
Ainabe was ecstatic when she was informed she would be a recipient of this award.
“Being a Schulich Leader is exciting to think about because I know other amazing people who have received it,” says Ainabe. “To think that I am anywhere near that level is mind blowing. I am so thankful for all the doors it has opened for me and am excited for the years to come.”
Valuing the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math disciplines, entrepreneur and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established the $100 million Schulich Leader Scholarship fund in 2012 to encourage students to be the next entrepreneurial-minded pioneers of science and technology innovation. A Schulich Leader nominee represents the top STEM student in their graduating class and becomes eligible to win a $100,000 or $80,000 scholarship.
Ainabe, the Garth Webb SS Student of Excellence recipient for 2018-2019, will be attending McMaster University in Hamilton in the fall to study Engineering.
“I would like to work in a variety of places across the globe,” says Ainabe. “With that experience I want to be making a meaningful contribution to society, whether it be through research, my own company or working for an organization that specializes in this.”
According to the McMaster University website: “Arielle is a passionate leader who is highly involved in her school and community.” She is also the recipient of the $7,500 Dean’s Excellence Scholarship at McMaster and a research position. Arielle has represented Canada at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair for two years in a row, and has won the NASA Special award 2nd Place Prize for her project.”
A Flight Commander in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, Ainabe says she will be taking many skills to university that she learned as a student in the Halton District School Board.
“HDSB has an abundance of programs that have allowed me to pursue my interests in STEM and other areas,” says Ainable. “For example, I participated in an online research co-op where I was able to do some of my research for a science fair with an experienced mentor. I have also had the opportunity to explore my interest in the French language and was able to receive a certificate for proficiency in French, which I can use to expand my horizons in the future. These are just some of the many opportunities that were available at HDSB.”
Pam Jenkins, Principal at Garth Webb SS, says, “we are so happy for Arielle and so proud of her achievements. She is true evidence of our school motto, ‘Learn Today to Lead Tomorrow’. Arielle is a resilient, kind and mature young student whose work ethic is second to none. We look forward to hearing about Arielle's accomplishments in the future.”
