Kelowna high school student wins biggest scholarship in Canada

A student at École Kelowna Secondary just received a six-figure scholarship to study physics.

Shaeyllan Beardmore received one of the $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship to help her with her engineering physics degree at the University of Calgary, according to a press release from Central Okanagan Public Schools.

“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, as the scholarship will allow me to not only focus on my studies, but to also dedicate time to the things that truly matter to me,” Beardmore said in the release.

The Schulich Leader Scholarship gives out 50 engineering scholarships worth $120,000 each and 50 science, technology or math scholarships worth $100,000 each.

“I look forward to joining engineering design teams and taking on personal projects with the goal of creating meaningful impact, whether through supporting sustainability efforts or contributing to my community through the work I love,” Beardmore said.

Her AP Physics teacher Jim Strachan supported her nomination and applauded her leadership in the school’s robotics club and full AP course load.

“Shaeyllan Beardmore is a standout in my 30+ years as an educator. She possesses the skills, attitude, and desire to excel in engineering,” Strachan said in the release. “Shaeyllan has proven herself to be at the pinnacle of dedication and excellence in pursuing a path toward becoming a professional engineer.”

The scholarships come out of a $200 million fund from the Schulich Foundation established in 2012 to help the next generation of engineers. The Schulich Foundation is one of Canada’s largest foundations with more than $500 million spent on philanthropy.

“We are delighted to honour Shaeyllan Beardmore as a Schulich Leader, part of a growing community of scholars across Canada. Their entrepreneurial drive will strengthen STEM innovation,” the foundation’s president Judy Schulich said in the release.