INSPIRING GRADUATES

BY ANDREA HAHN, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

We celebrate the Class of 2020 graduates as they embark on many We celebrate the Class of 2020 graduates as they embark on many exciting adventures ahead. Congratulations to our 64 inspiring exciting adventures ahead. Congratulations to our 64 inspiring future leaders who will take the knowledge, skills and experience future leaders who will take the knowledge, skills and experience they gained at STS to make an impact in the greater world. they gained at STS to make an impact in the greater world. We are so proud of each of them! We are so proud of each of them!

In total, our 2020 graduates received a record $960,000 in In total, our 2020 graduates received a record $960,000 in potential scholarships, with acceptance offers to 79 post-secondary potential scholarships, with acceptance offers to 79 post-secondary institutions, across five countries. institutions, across five countries.

The following success stories are just a few examples to illustrate the incredible opportunities this graduating class will seize in the years to come.

OYINKANSOLA AKINTOLA ’20

Chosen University: University College Dublin (UCD) Program of Study: Medicine

Oyinkansola is a goal-setter and goes beyond what is just required of her. With much determination, she plans her next steps carefully and sets her life direction purposefully. Her intention to pursue a medical career is not new but was reinforced through volunteer experience at a care home. She is inspiring and her motivation will turn her steps into leaps.

SAMUEL BARBER ’20

Chosen University: University of Western Ontario Program of Study: Specialization in Astrophysics

Sam’s fascination with space and science started at a very young age. Specifically interested in the studies of planetary science and research of exoplanets, his intrepid career dreams could lead him to become an astronaut. Sam’s fundamental STS experience was founding the Space Club. dedicated to activities around space including telescope observation, model rocketry, and simulation. Sam is a skilled pianist who just completed his Grade 10 Royal Conservatory of Music exam.

EMILY DALTON ’20

Chosen University: Queen’s University Program of Study: School of Medicine, Queen’s University Accelerated Route to Medical School Program (QuARMS)

One of ten high school students selected to enter the QuARMS program at Queen’s University, Emily is quite literally on the fast track to pursuing her career in medicine. She contributes the exemplary modelling of Mrs. Grant-Watt and the mentorship of Mr. Zelez in Sports Medicine to be instrumental in the success of her pursuits. Additionally, her 13 years as a competitive dancer have honed her qualities of determination and perseverance.

OLIVIA GRAHAM ’20

Chosen University: University of Waterloo Program of Study: Nanotechnology Engineering

Torn between engineering and pharmacology, Olivia chose Canada’s sole nanotechnology engineering undergraduate program, at the University of Waterloo. Participating in IB chemistry under the direction of Mr. Hoffman enhanced her love of science and experiments with medicinal chemistry. Looking forward to research opportunities at the world-leading Quantum-Nano Centre labs, along with the extensive co-op program at Waterloo, Olivia will be learning amongst the best in the field. She has attended eight schools in three countries so is familiar with new beginnings and is ready for the next exciting part of her journey.

ETHAN KLINKENBORG ’20

Chosen University: Wilson School of Design Program of Study: Product Design

After spending copious hours researching schools, Ethan found his match at the Wilson School of Design in the Vancouver area. STS has fostered his creative side, and he commends Mr. O'Brien as the one who laid the building blocks of his interest in design. He further credits the skills taught by Mr. Frehlich and Ms. Wellwood as instrumental in his future career, and Ms. Dawe and Ms. Carlson for supporting his many ideas. Ethan is a natural problemsolver and believes that his success will involve a balance of research, design, perspective, and engineering. He also values the positive habits he gained through athletics, particularly basketball, proving his dedication, diligence and perseverance.

NICHOLAS HADWINGUARDIOLA ’20

Chosen University: Goldsmiths University of London Program of Study: BA (Honours) Media and Communications

Martin Scorsese majored in English Literature. Stanley Kubrick started as a photographer. Inspired by their different launches into the film industry, Nicholas believes the broad depth of knowledge he will gain through the comprehensive program at Goldsmiths University will lay the groundwork for his career. He hopes to bring new ideas and perspectives to the screen. Undeterred by living abroad, Nicholas intends on using his culturally unique background and life experiences to fuel his future endeavours in London.

ZAKI LAKHANI ’20

Chosen University: Harvard University Program of Study: Intended Major in Government and Economics

Achieving his childhood dream, Zaki is elated to be heading to Harvard University to experience a world-class, liberal arts education. He has nothing but immense praise for being part of the inspiring and unique community at STS that utilizes their differences as strengths. The Speech and Debate program provided an avenue for him to develop sharp public speaking skills while equally maintaining critical thinking and other viewpoints. In an era where political polarization and division are more prevalent than ever before, he has learned the impact of meaningful and productive dialogue and intends to use his words to unite.

ARMAN LAKHU ’20

Chosen University: University of Ottawa Program of Study: Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Conflict Studies and Human Rights

Arman is an advocate for equality and has a fervency for global issues. Originally determined to enter medicine, experiences at STS opened his eyes to other possibilities. Heading to the University of Ottawa to pursue conflict studies and human rights, he intends to also take a minor in Health Sciences and keep his options of law and medicine open. Breaking down stereotypes, Arman is a skilled dancer and instructor, and has been the only male at his studio for years. He is happy to be a role model and example to other dancers, and hopes his leadership creates more progressive mindsets.

TIFFANIE LEGER ’20

Chosen University: University of Victoria Program of Study: Theatre

Ready for new adventures and opportunities, Tiffanie is headed west to pursue her love of acting at the University of Victoria. In between studying theatre and auditioning for shows, she hopes to take advantage of her new outdoor playground by biking, hiking and surfing. Full of dreams that started with roles in STS’ annual musicals, Tiffanie would love to act in a movie, and find time to road trip down the California coast in a camper van.

STEPHANIE PICIOREANU ’20

Chosen University: University of St. Andrews Program of Study: Medicine

Stephanie set her eyes on a career in medicine during Elementary School. This desire was reinforced during her semester doing agencies at Emily Follensbee School. As one who loves to embrace opportunities, Stephanie has been involved in a plethora of experiences at STS. Participating in the school musical, playing on numerous athletic teams, competing as a member of the speech team and taking part in a student exchange to Australia – Stephanie has learned first-hand the importance of efficiency and timemanagement. She aspires to use these skills to open a pediatric medical clinic one day.

CECILIA LIU ’20

Chosen University: University of British Columbia Program of Study: Bachelor of Science, Behavioural Science

Already the co-author of an academic journal article, Cecilia’s scientific curiosity has set her in motion. In Grade 11, her fascination with neurosciences evolved through the experience in Theory of Knowledge, which illuminated the deep layers of biology and chemistry associated with the brain. A truly interdisciplinary thinker, Cecilia is an accomplished flutist, having just completed her Grade 10 Royal Conservatory of Music exam.

LOUISA PITTMAN ’20

Chosen University: McGill University Program of Study: Bachelor of Commerce - Economics

As the sole female in her IB Economics class for two years, Louisa feels confident and equipped to join the Desautels Faculty of Management community at McGill. She attributes her readiness to the leadership opportunities, public speaking training and consistent encouragement from teachers and classmates at STS. Louisa is excited to live in Montreal and has already made connections with future classmates from around the globe.

KAITLYN LUMBY ’20

Chosen University: University of British Columbia Program of Study: Bachelor of Science - Food, Nutrition and Health

Passionate about health, wellness and athleticism, Kaitlyn’s aspiration to pursue Science is a natural fit. The Outdoor Education program at STS, combined with her role as a lifeguard and children’s swim instructor, has infused a unique skill set, opening doors into dietetics, pediatric or sports medicine. Kaitlyn also looks forward to continuing her athletic training, as she has also been accepted as a recruit for the Varsity Women’s Rugby Program.

BISHNEET SINGH ’20

Chosen University: University of Waterloo Program of Study: Mechatronics Engineering (Honours)

Bishneet will be like a kid in a candy store working in the state-of-the-art mechanical and mechatronic engineering labs at Waterloo. As a student intern at a startup company in Calgary, he had the opportunity to professionally present his skills in virtual and augmented reality and 3-D printing. His fascination with robotics was sparked by the design classes at STS. With further training and experience, Bishneet is hoping to become a trailblazer in automotive automation and may give Elon Musk a run for his money one day.