We are thrilled to share some extraordinary news: Magda G., a graduate of HCOSl, has been selected to receive a $100,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship to study Astrophysics at the University of Calgary this fall.
This is a landmark achievement; Magda is the first HCOS student ever to achieve the Schulich Leader Scholarship, one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in Canada.
- About the Scholarship
The Schulich Leader Scholarships program was established in 2012 by businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich to encourage top students to pursue STEM education. This year, 100 scholarships are being awarded nationwide — 50 engineering scholarships valued at $120,000 each and 50 science, technology, or math scholarships valued at $100,000 each. Every high school in Canada may submit one Schulich Leader Nominee per academic year, based on academic excellence in STEM, entrepreneurial leadership, and financial need.
“We are pleased to recognize Magda as a Schulich Leader, joining a network of outstanding students nationwide,” said Judy Schulich, President of The Schulich Foundation. “Their STEM passion will help shape the future of Canada.”
- What Makes Magda Extraordinary
Magda was nominated by Chelsea Bitgood (HCOS Director of Innovations 5-12) for her outstanding academic achievements. But what distinguishes Magda is not simply her academic record, though grades of 98–100% across every course speak for themselves, but the depth of character, leadership, and resilience that underlie those marks.
As Student Council President, she led formal meetings and spearheaded the Project Promfit Committee to advocate for affordable prom attire. Outside of school, she runs science-based learning camps, leads an astronomy art club, plays the harp, and completed a STEM internship and early college coursework.
Perhaps most remarkably, Magda has done this with genuine self-awareness. When the pressure of her ambitions became unsustainable, she made the courageous decision to refocus and protect her health, and then channelled that clarity into finishing her year stronger than ever. When a university scholarship opportunity emerged in the spring, her motivation surged, and she returned to her AP Calculus course with renewed purpose. This is the mark of a Schulich Leader: not just intellectual brilliance, but the resilience and care for others that will allow her to make lasting contributions through STEM and beyond.
- In Magda's Words
When asked how the scholarship would change things for her, Magda shared:
“Receiving this scholarship will have an incredible impact on my academic journey. Without the financial burden of working while attending an academically heavy program, I can fully focus on my studies in astrophysics. Prior to receiving the scholarship, I was unsure of how I could pursue my education because of the demanding tuition costs and the stress of balancing work and school.”
On hearing the news, Magda reflected:
“When I first learned about the scholarship offer, I was quite literally speechless with shock that I’d been selected. As an online student, a lot of the time, the extent of effort and time put into every assignment, test, or project goes unnoticed, since everything is online, so this award is really an acknowledgement of the dedication I’ve been putting into my studies and extracurriculars.”
She also shared what the moment meant to her personally:
“Receiving the phone call about the scholarship felt like God’s provision in my life and gave me a tremendous boost of encouragement to finish the year strong. It reminded me to trust that God will work things out, even though everything seems uncertain. Proverbs 3:5-6 reads, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’”
Looking ahead, Magda has a clear vision for where this scholarship will take her:
“My goal is a career in research sciences focused on space technology, and this scholarship brings me one step closer to making that dream a reality.”
- Making HCOS Proud
Magda’s achievement is a powerful reflection of what HCOS students are capable of. As a BC-wide online school serving learners of all abilities, HCOS is built on the belief that flexible, Christ-centred education can unlock exceptional potential. Magda’s success demonstrates that a student learning from home, navigating an individualized path through rigorous STEM coursework, can compete with the best students in the country.
As Student Council President, Magda has already modelled her strengths for her peers, and her Schulich recognition will continue to inspire HCOS students for years to come.
Congratulations, Magda, we could not be prouder!
For more information about the Schulich Leader Scholarships, visit schulichleaders.com.
