Nicole Welsh, Ambassador’s Entrance Scholarship recipient

Meet Nicole Welsh. The Robert McMath Secondary graduate is one of five recipients of the 2015 TRU Ambassador’s Entrance Scholarship and begins her studies this September.

“Being involved in a variety of sports from a very young age, I learned the importance of work ethic, setting goals, persevering, working together, and most importantly, leadership,” said Welsh. “Over the years I have learned these skills could be applied to all aspects of my life.”

Valued at $22,000, the award recognizes documented exemplary leadership and community service, combined with strong academic performance.

Nicole Welsh, Robert McMath Secondary, Richmond

Academic accomplishments: receiving an Academic Excellence Award and a Chemistry award as the top chemistry student achieving 100 percent in the course, graduating with a 95 percent average and being an active member of McMath Secondary’s incentive program.

Service to her school: being active on the student council and grad committee executive teams, being a peer tutor for the Senior Leadership Program and mentoring students, writing for her school’s blog, helping coach the swim team, being a member of the Interact club, providing more than 100 hours of service each year at her school, receiving a Career Prep Human Services Award for completing more than 175 hours of school and community service, and attending the 2014 Canadian Student Leadership Conference and We Day with the goal of bringing leadership strategies back to the school.

“Being involved in a variety of sports from a very young age, I learned the importance of work ethic, setting goals, persevering, working together, and most importantly, leadership.”

Service to her community: volunteering as a coach for youth swimming and softball programs, organizing a Christmas Toy and Food Drive the past six years through her swim club, captaining a CIBC Run for the Cure team for four years, training youth to become leaders in their community as a mentor in the Rick Hansen Difference Maker Program, and volunteering at a number of annual events including Windows of Hope fundraiser, Richmond Children’s Arts Festival, Christmas in Steveston and School District 38’s Math in Focus Day.

“This scholarship allows me to pursue a post secondary education without the burden of student loans and part time jobs,” said Welsh. “It allows me and my family to continue saving for future opportunities or goals I may have.”