Schulich Leader Scholarships awarded to HDSB’s Diya Kalia and Heidi Huang
Schulich Leader Scholarships awarded to HDSB’s Diya Kalia and Heidi Huang
Nominated by a staff member at their secondary schools, Schulich Leaders are students who have been selected by one of 20 universities to receive a scholarship worth $120,000 or $100,000 to pursue an undergraduate degree in STEM. In addition to this financial award, Schulich Leaders also benefit from student enrichment opportunities throughout the year.
To be selected, students must exemplify academic excellence and an entrepreneurial mindset, including demonstrating leadership, charisma and creativity. Schulich Leaders can pursue careers in technology, engineering, entrepreneurship and business enterprise or applied scientific research.
Heidi Huang
Iroquois Ridge High School
Heidi will be attending Western University for a dual degree in Computer Science (BSc) and Ivey Business Administration (HBA).
“When I received the scholarship offer email, I was on a taxi in Orlando, getting ready to compete at DECA ICDC as an Ontarian delegate,” Heidi says. “I remember almost throwing my phone out of the window upon reading the word ‘Schulich’. Having long been interested in the intersection of computer science and business management, I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to receive such a life-changing amount of scholarship to pursue my dual degree studies at Western University.”
“Having had the pleasure of serving as the President of Iroquois Ridge High School's DECA Chapter, Student Voice and Math Club, I was granted a chance to develop my leadership and academic skills through a variety of different learning opportunities,” says Heidi. “I am forever thankful for my computer science teacher Mrs. Quesnelle for inspiring me to find beauty in the world of algorithms, and for my accounting teacher Mr. Fisher for supporting me to excel in countless transformative business and finance endeavors. Iroquois Ridge provided me with an environment in which I was empowered to grow to my fullest potential; words cannot express how much gratitude I hold for this community.”
Kate O'Connor, the Iroquois Ridge HS teacher who nominated Heidi for the Schulich Leader Scholarship, says that Heidi “embodies the traits and mindset of a Schulich leader through and through. Not only has she excelled in her academics, but her deep and sincere passion for computer science, financial mathematics and statistical models is palpable. This deep academic interest saw her pursue a variety of academic passion projects, while her entrepreneurial side saw her take a truly transformative leadership role with our school’s DECA chapter. These are just a few of her many noteworthy accomplishments. We felt very strongly about our nomination and we are thrilled that the Schulich Foundation saw in Heidi what we all see in her here at IRHS.”
Garth Webb Secondary School
Diya will be attending McMaster University’s Engineering program.
“I'm so thrilled to be heading to McMaster's Engineering program in the fall,” Diya says. “What excites me most about engineering is how it lets me blend my interest in STEM with my passion for helping people, especially through innovations such as neuroprosthetics! I'm beyond honoured to have been chosen as a Schulich Leader, and incredibly thankful for all the doors it has, and will continue to, open for me!”
“Girls are more likely to enter STEM when they have role models who show them they can,” Diya says. “As a Teen Ambassador for the Canadian Association of Girls in Science (CAGIS), I lead workshops which encourage girls to explore and develop an enthusiasm for science. Also, through speaking engagements, such as the Ontario Science Centre’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and the UN CSW67, I share my love of STEM, help families learn about science-related opportunities, and offer a student perspective.
“Seeing the impact of my efforts is deeply fulfilling,” says Diya, “whether watching a club member gain confidence from completing a challenging CAGIS workshop or hearing that a talk I gave meant something to someone.”
“I have many people to thank for helping me on my journey so far! This includes my family, my amazing teachers at Garth Webb and Dr. Larissa Vingilis-Jaremko, the founder of CAGIS, for taking me under her wing.”
Garth Webb SS teacher Kelly Mactaggart was proud to nominate Diya for the Schulich Leaders scholarship, as she embodies the intelligence, drive and leadership the prestigious award seeks to recognize. “Over the past four years, I have witnessed her growth into an exemplary student whose dedication to STEM is matched only by her passion for empowering others – especially young girls in science. Whether she’s public speaking, leading a successful startup or mentoring peers through national programs, her impact is undeniable. She stands out not only for her academic excellence, but for her character, creativity and commitment to innovation. It has been a pleasure to guide her while she attained her many goals!”
