PROFILE OF A GRADUATE
VICTORIA STEFANSON ’19 “When they came to present me with the Hellmuth, it just felt right,” Victoria recalls. “I had visited Huron in Fall 2018, and, honestly, I felt that sense of community as though I belonged there.” With interests in political science and commerce, Victoria has the opportunity to pursue a combined degree with advanced entry to Ivey Business School at Western University.
“BALMORAL HALL SCHOOL HAS PREPARED ME BEST FOR MY NEXT STEPS, FINDING MY PATH.”
When Huron University College visited Balmoral Hall School on April 29, 2019 to offer Victoria Stefanson ’19 their prestigious scholarship, which is named for Huron’s first Principal, Bishop Isaac Hellmuth, no one was more surprised than she. Staff and students had gathered, quietly, in the atrium at the appointed time, when representatives from Huron were scheduled to meet with Victoria. Greeted with balloons in Huron’s colours, red and white, and with her parents, Jason and Heather (McDonald) Stefanson ’88, at her side, she happily accepted her leather-bound certificate.
“Victoria fully supports our mandate to ensure a Balmoral Hall education is within reach for all girls of promise,” shares Genevieve Cloutier ’03, Alumnae Relations Coordinator. “Future BH girls are the beneficiaries of her leadership of The Class of 2019 Fund. Our gratitude is never-ending.” “Balmoral Hall School has prepared me best for my next steps, finding my path,” Victoria reflects. “As a lifer, I had such a good experience, and I hope a lot more girls will have the same opportunities.”
Victoria is well prepared for such a demanding course of study. With a secondary school transcript that includes Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus and a resume that highlights involvement in Junior Achievement, her time management skills are evident, as is her persistence to overcome obstacles. What is most remarkable about Victoria, however, is her steadfast commitment to helping others. As Class of 2019 Fund Leadership Chair, she presented a cheque for $50,000.08 to The Balmoral Hall School Foundation on May 31, 2019 during the time-honoured Doll Assembly. The Class of 2019 Fund signifies a lasting legacy for graduates thanks to endowment. Endowed in perpetuity, The Class of 2019 Fund will generate interest annually to provide student bursaries.
Victoria (right) and classmate Avery Fletcher ’19 on the steps of Aikins House.
THE PORTAL | FALL 2019
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