Shellbrook’s Abi Kyliuk was awarded with a Schulich Leader Scholarship worth $120,000 and will begin studying engineering at the University of Calgary this fall. (submitted)

By Logan Lehmann

High Honour

Shellbrook high school graduate awarded prestigious national scholarship

Jun 8, 2024 | 3:17 PM

A Grade 12 student at W.P. Sandin Public High School in Shellbrook has been awarded one of Canada’s most coveted scholarships.

Abi Kyliuk is set to graduate later this month and was recently recognized for her efforts in school as she was awarded with a Schulich Leader Scholarship worth $120,000, which is handed out to select post-secondary graduates who meet a set criteria.

Kyliuk said she wasn’t just an academic student, but was much more involved within the school.

“With my grades, I’ve always tried to do the best I can, I’ve kept my average up pretty high,” she said. “With service within my school, I’ve been a part of our student leadership council since grade six and just last year, our principal asked me to be a part of a different group within our school division called the Saskatchewan Rivers Students for Change. I served as the groups secretary last year and this year I was president.”

She added that the Students for Change consists of representatives from schools across the division where they work together to create positive change.

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The scholarship itself is awarded in two countries, Canada and Israel.

In Canada, post-secondary institutes may nominate one person for the scholarship every year and in order to be eligible, the nominee must be entrepreneurial-minded and meet two out of three criteria: outstanding community, business or entrepreneurial leadership, academic excellence, and/or financial need.

Nominees must also intend to pursue a career in one or more of the focus areas of technology, engineering, entrepreneurship and business enterprise, and applied scientific research. Students pursuing undergraduate studies in engineering, like Kyliuk, receive a scholarship valued at $120,000, while students pursuing studies in the other three focus areas receive a $100,000 scholarship.

“I’ve always wanted to the best I could be, and I’m motivated to reach success in any way that I can,” Kyliuk said.

The scholarship awards her annual payments of $30,000 over four years, which goes towards her tuition, schooling, books, and supplies. Anything left over is hers to keep.

Abi’s mother, Renee, said that the family was over the moon when they heard of her achievement.

“Our level of excitement, I don’t know if it could have been beat,” she said. “We were very very excited.”

“I liked their reactions almost as much as getting the scholarship,” laughed Abi.

Kyliuk said she plans to attend the University of Calgary in the fall.

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com