Brookfield student earns coveted $100K Schulich scholarship

Alex McCully is one of two Nova Scotians named on this year’s list of Schulich Leaders

BROOKFIELD – Alex McCully was at work when she got the call. The South Colchester Academy graduate was chosen as a recipient of a $100,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. “I was totally freaking out,” said McCully, adding that her family was over the moon when they heard the news.

“I don’t think any of us expected this ... (because) that’s a crazy amount of money. Like, it’s an amazing scholarship.” The Schulich Leader Scholarship is awarded annually to 100 graduating high school students across Canada pursuing post-secondary studies in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

More than 1,300 nominees were put forward for the coveted scholarship this year. “Schulich Leader Scholarships help Canada’s leading universities identify and support exceptional STEM students with the potential to become tomorrow’s innovators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders,” Judy Schulich, president of The Schulich Foundation, said in a news release. “As these scholars develop groundbreaking ideas and create new opportunities, it is important that Canada continues to foster an environment where talent can thrive.”

McCully, one of two Nova Scotians who won this year’s scholarship, is attending the University of Ottawa to study chemistry. STUDYING SCIENCE McCully recalls being curious from a young age. This trait helped lead her on the path toward studying the sciences.

“I’ve always been super curious, and I remember even when I was a toddler, I would pick a topic, and then I had to know everything about that topic,” she said. “I feel like that kind of translated into my older years as well ... and then, when I started taking science classes, that’s where I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I really enjoy doing this. I really enjoy learning about that.’”

McCully believes her drive and eagerness to continue learning made her an ideal candidate for the Schulich Leader Scholarship. She notes that previous scholarship applicants seemed driven and passionate about their area of studies. “I think I have that drive, and I really want to continue learning about science and applying that to the real world.

I think both of those qualities go really well with the Schulich Leaders.” McCully adds that she has received mentorship from many teachers in her studies. “All of the science teachers that I’ve had are so incredible.”

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Beyond the classroom, McCully also participated in athletics and extracurricular activities that involved leadership roles. She played competitive volleyball for many years, most recently with the Tide Volleyball club. McCully was involved with her school’s student council and served as its co-president in Grade 12.

The South Colchester Academy graduate was also on the school’s yearbook committee. As McCully reflects on her high school experience, she said being a yearbook editor is one of her proudest achievements. “I put a lot of energy into creating a good book of memories for all of our students that everybody can look back on and see themselves in,” said McCully.

“And there’s just so many different aspects that go into being an editor and leading a team of people to create one ... product that everybody’s going to look back on.” Being on student council is another memorable experience, she said, as well as receiving a Lieutenant Governor Education Medal in Grade 11. The award recognizes students for their academic record, leadership qualities, and service to their schools and communities.

OPENS DOORS Looking ahead, McCully said the Schulich Leader Scholarship opens many doors for her. “It opens so many (because) it takes away the financial burden of university and college that ... so many people are dealing with,” she said.

“It’ll give me time to really focus on my studies, and taking co-ops, and doing research.” Need to know Schulich Leader Scholarship What – The scholarship supports students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with the potential to become future innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.

Value – Students pursuing an engineering degree receive $120,000, while those studying science, technology or math receive $100,000. History – The scholarship was established in 2012 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Seymour Schulich. This year’s recipients are the 15th cohort.

Who – Recipients are chosen from a national pool of more than 350,000 graduating high school students, including more than 1,300 nominees. Nova Scotia – There are two Nova Scotia recipients this year. South Colchester Academy’s Alex McCully and Sackville High School’s Joseph Fay.