Aldershot School student earns prestigious Queen's University scholarships
After graduating from Aldershot School this summer, Isabella (Bella) Oliver is heading to Queen's University with two prestigious entrance scholarships recognizing her outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community involvement.
Bella received the Alumni National Scholarship, worth $12,000 per year for up to four years. One of just 50 Chancellor's Scholarships awarded annually, the scholarship recognizes students with outstanding academic achievement, leadership, creative thinking and community involvement.
She also earned the W.W. King Scholarship, valued at $3,000 per year, awarded to students entering the Smith Engineering undergraduate program on the basis of academic excellence.
"The application process involved being nominated by my high school and then completing the Major Admissions Awards application on the Queen's website," Bella said. "In my application, I wrote about leadership opportunities I have had, my involvement in my school community and the activities and competitions I've been involved in outside of school."
When she learned she had been selected to receive the scholarships, Bella was understandably thrilled.
"I was, of course, very excited and also very grateful, as they represent not only my hard work but also the support I received from my parents, friends and teachers."
Throughout high school, Bella embraced opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom. She credits Aldershot's I-STEM program with helping shape her decision to pursue engineering.
"I've always been interested in design and all the project-based learning I've been able to do has not only been fun but has also taught me about collaboration, the innovation process and how to design something sustainably," she said. "I feel like I'm prepared to continue working with other people next year to solve problems and come up with creative solutions."
Her co-curricular involvement extended across the school community as a member of Link Crew, the Well-Being Team, I-STEM Council, concert and jazz bands, the swim team, cross-country team and track and field team. She also represented students on the HDSB Kindness, Connection and Community Student Senate subcommittee in Grade 11.
Outside of school, Bella spent nine years as a competitive swimmer before taking on a coaching role in Grade 12.
"Coaching has been an incredible leadership experience that I have learned so much from," she said.
As she looks ahead to university, Bella is eager to learn more about engineering while continuing to develop her skills.
"I'm looking forward to meeting new people and getting to explore what all of the different fields of engineering are actually about," she said. "I'm also excited to learn more about how to solve problems and I'm looking forward to gaining hands-on experience in the design projects I get to do in first year."
She sees the scholarships as both encouragement and inspiration.
"They motivate me to keep challenging myself, make the most of every opportunity and continue to get involved as I build new connections moving forward."
For younger students hoping to follow a similar path, Bella offers the following advice:
"Keep doing the things you are passionate about. Get involved in your community wherever you can and learn to step outside your comfort zone," she said. "My favourite piece of advice to give is that the best things in life come after you decide to be brave. Every friendship, every job opportunity and every meaningful conversation you've had has happened because you put yourself out there even when you were scared."
As Bella begins her next chapter at Queen's University, she leaves Aldershot with an impressive record of achievement, leadership and a willingness to embrace whatever challenges come next.
