She is the valedictorian for the Class of 2023 at Vankleek Collegiate Institute and also the winner of an important scholarship award.
Olivia St. Denis won the Chernoff Family Award, worth $48,000, for her admission to Queen’s University in Kingston.
The Vankleek Collegiate Institute (VCI) graduate sent in her scholarship application last fall, with the support of Sarah Dagg, VCI English teacher. Dagg provided a letter of recommendation that accompanied two essays that St. Denis wrote as part of her application. She received notice prior to last month’s graduation ceremony at VCI that she had won the prestigious scholarship.
“Olivia embodies the spirit of VCI by continuously striving for excellence and making a difference in her community,” stated VCI Principal Christie Walker, in a news release from the Upper Canada District School Board. “We are incredibly proud of Olivia and look forward to seeing her thrive at Queen’s University.”
The Chernoff Family created the scholarship award to honour the memory of Nick and Maud Chernoff, who recognized the value of post-secondary education and dedicated themselves to ensuring that their children went to college. The Chernoff Family Award goes to full-time students entering their first year at Queen’s University.
Successful applicants for the award must maintain a high school average of 90 per cent or higher in their studies, and also demonstrate creativity, original thinking, and leadership qualities. Preference in awarding the scholarship is given to students from rural and remote areas.
St. Denis maintained a 97-per-cent grade point average through her four years at VCI, and also was active in the VCI Link Crew program, providing support to students new to VCI. She took part in VCI’s varsity sports program, was a member of the prom committee, and exceeded the mandatory 40 hours of community service required as part of her graduation year curriculum.
St. Denis has “a profound passion for health and wellness” and plans to pursue a career in medicine, becoming a family doctor.
