“The Schulich Leader Scholarship will continue to open many doors for me as I can continue to explore my interests and pursue my passion without any worries of financial burden. As a recipient of this prestigious award, I am excited to have this opportunity to be a part of this vast network of young innovators. I hope to channel my passion for STEM to create opportunities for the betterment of society,” said Schulich Leader Scholarships recipient Jasmine Rai, a graduate of Princess Margaret Secondary School in Surrey.

By PD Raj

DESIBUZZCanada Senior Writer

SURREY – Indo-Canadian student from Surrey is one of two new students who are Simon Fraser University’s recipients of the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarships, awarded annually to high school graduates enrolling in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at participating universities in Canada and Israel.

Basil Giannopoulos and Jasmine Rai are this year's recipients of the $180,000 Schulich scholarship.

Giannopoulos, a graduate of Gleneagle Secondary School in Coquitlam, is the recipient of the engineering scholarship valued at $100,000.

Rai, a graduate of Princess Margaret Secondary School in Surrey, receives $80,000.

Both begin their studies at SFU this September. Giannopoulos is pursuing a bachelor of science in engineering physics, while Rai is pursuing a bachelor of science with a joint major in computer science as well as molecular biology and biochemistry. They were selected for their outstanding academic and extra-curricular achievements, which are core requirements for the scholarship.

Giannopoulos says: “I feel incredibly grateful having earned the Schulich Scholarship, which will allow me to focus primarily on my academics. I couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my teachers and family members.”

Rai says: “The Schulich Leader Scholarship will continue to open many doors for me as I can continue to explore my interests and pursue my passion without any worries of financial burden. As a recipient of this prestigious award, I am excited to have this opportunity to be a part of this vast network of young innovators. I hope to channel my passion for STEM to create opportunities for the betterment of society.”

Upon graduating at Gleneagle, Giannopoulos finished with stellar a 4.00 grade point average, out of a possible 4.00, and won several top student awards including the Governor General’s bronze Academic Medal, which is awarded to the high school student with the highest grade-point-average from their respective high school. Outside of the classroom, they volunteered in their community to help young children develop an interest in, and learn about, STEM-related programs.

Upon graduation from Princess Margaret Rai, who also boasts a perfect 4.00 grade point average, has earned multiple academic awards in mathematics, science and language arts. Outside of the classroom, she volunteered countless hours as a peer tutor at her school as well as tutoring young neighbourhood children in STEM-related courses.

ABOUT SCHULICH LEADER SCHOLARSHIPS:

Schulich Leader Scholarships are prestigious entrance scholarships awarded to high school graduates enrolling in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at participating universities in Canada and Israel. Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines will have on the prosperity of future generations, businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established this $100 million scholarship fund in 2011 to encourage our best and brightest students to become the next pioneers of global scientific research and innovation.

This program awards 100 scholarships annually, valued at more than $7 million.  High schools across the country put forth more than 1,300 Schulich Leader Nominees who were vying for 50 Canadian scholarships. Schulich Leaders can devote their full time and attention to their studies, as all of their financial needs are covered over the course of their degree. Canada’s highest potential students are winning these scholarships and will make remarkable contributions to society.