Limestone Graduates Awarded Schulich, TD, and Community Leadership Scholarships
Frontenac Secondary School (FSS) graduate Yamen Abuelyazed has been awarded Canada’s largest undergraduate scholarship. Schulich Leader Scholarships support Canada’s top talent in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Yamen has been selected to receive a $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship to study Engineering at Queen's University.
Yamen will be entering the Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering Program this fall. He was selected as one of the 50 recipients for his outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements, including being at the top of his class, starting a Kingston Summer Company, and graduating a year early.
"I felt very surprised, honoured, and humbled,” Yamen says. “I am looking forward to using it to expand my skills and knowledge.”
“We are incredibly proud of Yamen and his many accomplishments that led to him being named a Schulich Leader, all while completing his diploma in the years!” says Krista Lackey, FSS Head of Guidance. “We know he is off to do some great things in the future. Congratulations, Yamen!"
Ayesha Bukhari, an Ernestown Intermediate and Secondary School (EISS) graduate and Limestone District School Board (LDSB) Rural Student Trustee, has been awarded the TD Scholarship valued up to $70,000 over four years to support her post-secondary education.
In addition, Ayesha was recently presented with the Trustee Laurie French Student Leadership Award by the Lennox and Addington Community Council for her leadership and community impact.
“It's such an honour to be recognized by TD and the Community Foundation for Lennox and Addington,” she says. “I am so overwhelmingly grateful to be awarded alongside so many passionate young people across Canada. Our youth are the cornerstone of our future, and seeing organizations invest in what that future looks like—and being part of it—is so amazing!”
Erin Stinson, EISS Head of Student Services, says the moment Ayesha started at the school in Grade 10, after moving to the area from a much larger community, she knew she was an exceptionally driven student.
“Ayesha created a safe, supportive space for racialized and Indigenous students in our school to come together and share their lived experiences, both within our walls and outside in the greater community,” Stinson says. “She has become an outstanding leader, and a voice bringing awareness and creating opportunities for all students in LDSB. We are extremely proud of her, excited for her future, and grateful to call her an Ernestown Eagle.”
Principal Tyler Wilson echoed Stinson’s sentiments, “In 2024, Ayesha was recognized as Loyalist Township’s Junior Citizen of the Year—a testament to the leadership and care she brings to everything she does, and a reflection of her desire to make the world a better, more equitable place,” he says.
“But more than any one achievement, Ayesha’s character is what leaves a lasting impression. She is grounded, compassionate, empathetic, and full of quiet strength. She lifts others up and makes them believe in themselves and others on a deeper level as a result. Ayesha is one of those rare people who you meet and sense right away that they will make your life better.”
Sekai Chikodzi, graduating from Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute (LCVI), has been awarded the prestigious Chancellor's Scholarship from Queen's University. This scholarship is given to students who demonstrate superior academic ability, creative and original thinking, involvement in school or community activities, and proven leadership qualities.
Sekai is one of only 50 students chosen from across Canada for this major award, which is worth $48,000 over four years. The Chancellor's Scholarship is one of the most esteemed awards offered by Queen's University. It was established in celebration of the university's 150th anniversary and is awarded to students who have shown exceptional promise and dedication in their academic and extracurricular pursuits.
"Recipients of this scholarship are recognized not only for their outstanding academic achievements but also for their commitment to making a positive impact in their communities," says Margaret Connelly, LCVI Principal. "This award is a testament to Sekai's hard work, perseverance, and excellence in all areas of her life. Congratulations, Sekai. We are very proud of you!"
North Addington Education Centre (NAEC) graduate Sophia Borger has been awarded close to $10,000 in scholarships to support her post-secondary education.
She was awarded the NAEC Service Above Self Award ($1,000), for her dedication to serving the community by leading or actively participating in initiatives which improve an aspect of their community in a meaningful way. She has also been presented with the Werke Poole Leadership Award ($1,870), for demonstrating knowledge of, and interest in, the qualities inherent in leadership roles.
In addition, Sophia has been awarded the Queen’s University Smith Engineering Opportunities Entrance Scholarship ($7,000) awarded to students entering the first year of the program based on academic excellence.
"It was a great compliment receiving these awards, showing me that hard work pays off,” Sophia says. “These awards will go a long way towards paying for my first year at university."