A Chatham woman has been selected as a Rhodes Scholar.
Ashley Jackson went to John McGregor Secondary School in Chatham, is in her second year at the University of Ottawa's Medical School and is an alumni of Dalhousie University.
The Rhodes Scholarship is an international postgraduate award for students and is considered among the most prestigious international scholarship in the world. Jackson will go to England next fall to study at Oxford University all expenses paid for two or three years. The scholarship is worth around $75,000 a year.
"To say that I am honoured would be an understatement. This would not be possible without all of the support from my friends, family, teachers, and coaches over the years," said Jackson via Twitter. "I have been so fortunate to have the most incredible people in my life who constantly challenge me and inspire me. To anyone who has played a part in this, thank you. I am so unbelievably grateful for this opportunity."
Thousands of students from 60 countries around the world apply every year, but only 100 are chosen. The class of 2022 was announced this past weekend.
Jackson is interested in medical research and plans to pursue her Master’s of Science in Oncology at Oxford. She also loves playing basketball.
Dalhousie University said she is one of only 11 students in Canada to be named a Rhodes Scholar this year. Jackson may also be the first ever Rhodes Scholar from Chatham-Kent.
Jackson's mother Christine said she is very proud of her daughter.
"My husband Brian and I are beyond proud of Ashley for not just this incredible accomplishment but for all the things she has done and achieved over her short lifetime and beyond proud of the amazing young woman she has become!" said Mrs. Jackson. "Her compassion and caring for others and her drive to ensure that everyone is treated equitably and fairly in society is an inspiration to all. I can truly say that she inspires me each and every day to be a better person."