THUNDER BAY – A St. Ignatius High School graduate has been awarded an $80,000 scholarship to study at Halifax’s Dalhousie University.
Kiara Bergagnini, who will enter a bachelor of science program this fall, was one of 100 students from Canada to earn a Schulich Leader Scholarship.
The organization behind the award doubled the number of recipients this year, citing the unparalleled disruption to studies posed by COVID-19.
Bergagnini said she was in shock and disbelief when she learned of the scholarship.
“Throughout high school, I have always tried to give a hundred percent to my studies with the philosophy that my future self would thank me later. Receiving this scholarship has shown me that all of my hard work and dedication was worth the sacrifices I had to make along the way,” she said in a release issued on Tuesday by the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board.
“I am extremely thankful to be recognized and provided with this generous scholarship which will allow me to pursue my passions and give back to the community without being weighed down by the financial burden created by university.”
The group will represent the best and brightest, said philanthropist Seymour Schulich, who established the $100-million fund in 2012.
“These future leaders will make great contributions to society, both on a national and global scale. With their university expenses covered, they can focus their time on their studies, research projects, extracurriculars, and entrepreneurial ventures. They are the next generation of technology innovators,” Schulich said.
