We’re celebrating some of this year’s outstanding scholarship recipients! These scholarships support each student’s journey as they pursue post-secondary education. 

VSB Recognition Scholarships

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 VSB Recognition Scholarships, including two recipients of the Teacher Recognition Scholarship, two recipients of the Support Workers Recognition Scholarship and two recipients of the Administrators Recognition Scholarship! 

The Recognition Scholarships are awarded to students who contribute positively to their school communities and maintain a good academic record. Scholarship recipients receive $2,500 towards post-secondary.

 This year’s recipients are: 

Teachers Recognition Scholarship

Mya Alejandra Garrido Diaz from John Oliver Secondary 

Mya was born in the Yucatan Peninsula.

“Although I have always learned and valued my Indigenous ancestry, growing up in Mexico while attending a primarily white private school made it difficult for me to embrace my identity in public fully,” Mya wrote. “When I moved to Canada, my desire to fit in led me to introduce myself as just Mexican and only share my Mayan ancestry with people I truly trusted; this changed for the better when I met Ms. Ellen Nielsen.” 

Mya shared that one of her teachers, Ms. Nielsen, was pivotal in creating a safe space for everyone to feel accepted and celebrated. This made Mya feel able to to embrace her authentic self with pride. Mya also credits Ms. Nielsen’s support as she realized a longtime dream of attending UBC for media studies. 

Salem Guno-Lazarre from VASS (East Van Education Centre) 

“This was my first year returning to school, and now I'm graduating with my Adult Dogwood,” Salem wrote. “I actually did not think I would make it this far, and it's still hard to believe how quickly the time has flown by. Looking back, I see how much l've grown—not just academically, but personally. One of the most important people in that journey has been my teacher Mr. Dustin Thorkelsson.” 

Looking back on the journey, Salem recalls how Mr. Thorkelsson patiently nurtured a sense of trust and self-confidence. Inspired by this support, Salem now looks ahead to studying makeup artistry at Blanche MacDonald. 

“My passion is making others feel beautiful and confident, because I know what it feels like to lose confidence and then find it again. I want to give that same gift to others.” Salem continued. 

Support Staff Recognition Scholarship 

Miete Wagner from Sir Charles Tupper Secondary 

“The support staff worker I have chosen to recognize is Sean Burris,” Miete wrote. “Sean is an incredibly kind individual who deserves recognition because of his patience and benevolence. It is clear to me that he cares about my education and wants me to succeed.” 

Miete shares that Mr. Burris helps students feel comfortable and accepted. 

“I have grown so much both academically and personally because of the support I was given at Tupper,” Miete added. 

Administrators Recognition Scholarship

Livia Fatovic-Spurr from Killarney Secondary

Livia attributed a positive school experience to vice-principal, Mr. Bernard Soong. Livia shared that Mr. Soong was determined to provide as many opportunities to students as possible. He organized trips and promoted connection and community. 

“Administration can be intimidating, but Mr. Soong was always friendly and supportive. He always asked me how I was doing or if I needed anything,” Livia wrote. “Knowing that someone who did not know me very well cared about me was enough to help me push through that time.” 

Malcom Chan from Magee Secondary

“Throughout my secondary education, no single person has served me as much as Dr. Schofield has,” Malcom wrote. “As a principal at Magee Secondary, his leadership values and unwavering support have shaped not only how I acquire knowledge but the manner in which I see myself as a community member and a leader.” 

Malcom explained that Mr. Schofield is well-known for how he treats students, noting that he listens, inspires and believes in them. “Mr. Schofield has made a lasting impact on my education. His leadership made me bolder, more capable and more curious,” Malcom added. 

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Congratulations to all the recipients! Thank you to all staff who worked to support and guide students throughout the year. 

Schulich Leaders Scholarships 

Schulich Leader Scholarships support Canada’s top talent in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The award is the country’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarship. Nominees are chosen based on academic excellence in STEM, entrepreneurial leadership and financial need. 

Each partner university chooses their Schulich Leader scholarship winners based on their own criteria and selection committee review of nominations. Out of thousands of nominees, 100 students from across the country receive this award annually. 

This year’s recipients from VSB are: 

Bryan Ma from University Hill Secondary

Bryan was awarded a $120,000 scholarship for his future studies in engineering at Simon Fraser University. 

David Yang Transition Program for Gifted Students

David was awarded $100,000 scholarship for his future studies in science at UBC. 

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Congratulations to Bryan and David for winning this prestigious scholarship! We wish you the best of luck in your studies.