A Windsor high school student will have her university education paid for after winning an elite scholarship.
Kini Chen, a student at Assumption College Catholic High School in Windsor, has been awarded a $100,000 Schulich Leadership Scholarship and will use it to study mathematics and physiology at McGill University in Montreal.
Chen is the first student in the history of Assumption College Catholic High to win the prestigious award.
"This scholarship will allow me to explore these two fields of academic study while in university," said Chen in a media release. "I’m looking forward to learning about all of the various career options associated with these disciplines, and I’m very excited about moving to Montreal and beginning my post-secondary journey."
Melissa Cavallin, principal at Assumption, said the entire school community is proud of Chen.
"Students like Kini are the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded technology innovators,” said Cavallin. "With their university expenses covered, they can focus their time on their studies, research projects, extracurriculars, and entrepreneurial ventures. Launching her own start-up is just one option Kini is considering, but whatever she chooses, I’m certain she will have a major impact on the world."
The scholarship comes from a fund established in 2012 by philanthropist Seymour Schulich to encourage exceptional students to pursue careers in the so-called STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). One hundred scholarships are given out across Canada each academic year, chosen from nominees submitted by their schools. The awards are based on academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit and leadership, and financial needs.