Five students from Great Lakes Secondary School (GLSS) have been awarded the inaugural Anne McFadyen Scholarship, created in memory of a Sarnia judge and local philanthropist.
Awards were presented to the recipients on June 12.
“We are incredibly proud of these young individuals who have shown dedication, perseverance, and leadership,” said GLSS Principal Derek Stenton in a media release from Sarnia Community Foundation. "Their achievements reflect the bright future ahead for our community."
Each of the students will receive $12,000 to help them pursue a post-secondary education.
The foundation said funds will be directed primarily toward tuition, books, and residence fees.
"This scholarship reflects the power of community partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities for our students," said Lambton Kent District School Board Director of Education Gary Girardi. "We are proud to support initiatives that celebrate student achievement and inspire future success."
The scholarship recipients include Maya Chaikam, Owen Roberts, Marissa Vu-Nguyen, Raihaan Abrahim, and Kyleigh Noels.
Chaikam will study environmental resources and sustainability at the University of Waterloo. Chaikam was involved in several extra-curriculars at GLSS and participated in community events involving the Kiwanis Club, The Inn of the Good Shepherd, and the humane society.
Roberts will be joining Western University's chemistry program. Roberts was also heavily involved in community initiatives and school fundraisers.
Vu-Nguyen is enrolled in the medical science program at Western University. She graduated with honours, was a member of student council, and volunteered at the local soup kitchen and farmers market.
Abrahim will go to McMaster University to study life sciences with a specialty in biophysics. Abrahim graduated with honours, participated in yearly math competitions at the University of Waterloo, and was a member of various clubs and panels.
Noels will study integrated science at the University of Western Ontario. Noels was co-prime minister of student council, a member of the leadership class, and was involved in several community events -- including the Celebration of Lights.
The scholarship program was created after McFadyen passed away on February 25, 2024. She spent over two decades as a judge in Sarnia and was known as a trailblazer for being the first female president of the Lambton Law Association.