Class of 2014 BCSS graduate Joshua Stimpson is one of two recent B.C. high school graduates selected to receive this year’s prestigious Schulich Leadership Scholarship for their undergraduate studies at the University of Victoria.
Created in 2011 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Seymour Schulich, the scholarships are awarded annually to 40 students in Canada pursuing undergraduate studies in STEM subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The scholarship for engineering studies is $80,000 and $60,000 for the other areas of study.
A statement released by the university last week said Stimpson had been selected for his achievements that demonstrate how the will to succeed and hard work can help overcome adversities.
“Living in the remote rural community of Beaverdell in the southern B.C. Interior, Stimpson commuted 156 kilometres to and from Boundary Central Secondary School in Midway and didn’t let the three hours of daily bus travel deter him from participating in sports and volunteering.
“Stimpson had an impressive GPA of 95.25 per cent and received numerous awards for his accomplishments. He was involved in a variety of school sports, was a senior member of the Spirit Club, and involved in fundraising for his grad class activities. He assisted with community events and helped seniors with physical chores. He also undertook much of the physical work as well as other responsibilities at home as his father, a lone parent, suffers from debilitating physical disabilities as the result of a work-related injury. Given these latter circumstances, Stimpson also has demonstrated a resilience that will serve him well in his studies.”
“I was shocked and thrilled when I found out I had received this scholarship. I am very grateful to the University of Victoria and Schulich foundation for the award,” said Stimpson. Stimpson says that the financial assistance takes the pressure off trying to find and juggle a part-time job with his studies. “This scholarship will make a tremendous difference.”
As one referee wrote, Stimpson “is exceptionally strong academically, motivated, excited to learn, and possesses a work ethic and desire to excel that is extraordinary … He has come to know that his own inner strength and personal goals have helped him in times of adversity and will continue to support him in the future.”
The other B.C. recipient for 2014 is Faculty of Engineering student Mohammed Abousaleh who graduated from Oak Bay High School in Victoria with an outstanding GPA of 100 per cent.