Oak Park's Gregory Petryk wins prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship

August 21, 2024

École secondaire Oak Park High School student awarded Canada’s largest undergraduate scholarship

Schulich Leader Scholarships support Canada’s top talent in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

Winnipeg, June 19 --- Gregory Petryk has been selected to receive a $100,000.00 Schulich Leader Scholarship to study actuarial mathematics at the University of Manitoba.

A graduate of École secondaire Oak Park High School in Winnipeg, Petryk will be entering the Faculty of Science this Fall. Petryk was selected by Kelsey Joss for his outstanding academic and extra-curricular achievements. This is the 3rd Nominee to win a Schulich Leader Scholarship at École secondaire Oak Park High School.

A total of 100 scholarships are being awarded - 50 engineering scholarships valued at $120,000 each and 50 science, technology or math scholarships valued at $100,000 each.

“We are proud to celebrate the continued success of Schulich Leader Scholarships, the premiere STEM scholarship program in Canada. This group of outstanding students will represent the best and brightest Canada has to offer and will make great contributions to society, both on a national and global scale. With their university expenses covered, they can focus their time on their studies, research projects, extracurriculars, and entrepreneurial ventures. They are the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded, technology innovators,” says program founder Mr. Schulich.

NOMINATOR/STUDENT QUOTES:

How will this scholarship change things for you? How did it feel to receive the notice of offer for the scholarship? How will this scholarship help you reach your goals?

"I was so excited for all the doors this award will open. It’s unreal, and I think even now, I’m still in disbelief. This scholarship will allow me to focus on my studies and not have to stress about accumulating debt. It will give me the freedom to purchase a car so that I can carpool with my peers to University. I still plan to work part time to save money throughout university, but not needing to stress about work is a huge relief.

Receiving this scholarship will definitely allow me to keep on pursuing topics I’m passionate about, including philanthropy and music. For example, I always wanted to do a music minor, but it would be tough to fit into a 4 year degree, so the scholarship gives me the flexibility to take summer courses, allowing me to continue with a music minor. It will also allow me to purchase my own instrument to have forever, instead of renting one, so the impacts of this scholarship will last throughout my life."

Gregory Petryk

The Schulich Award being bestowed upon an Oak Park graduate like Gregory is a tremendous honour that will profoundly benefit our school community. Gregory's achievement not only highlights his exceptional dedication to learning and philanthropy but also reflects the supportive environment fostered by our teachers, who have consistently nurtured student passions and interests. Gregory's commitment to music and community service, exemplified by his participation in the University of Manitoba Wind Ensemble outreach tour to northern Manitoba communities, demonstrates his leadership and altruism. His recognition with the Schulich Award is a source of great pride for all staff and students at Oak Park, reinforcing our school's ethos of excellence, compassion, and community engagement. It serves as a testament to Gregory's outstanding qualities and his aspiration to positively impact the world around him, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.

- Kelsey Joss

About Schulich Leader Scholarships Canada

Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines will have on the prosperity of future generations, businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established this $100+ million scholarship fund in 2012 to encourage our best and brightest students to become Schulich Leader Scholars: the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded, technology innovators.

Through The Schulich Foundation, these prestigious entrance scholarships are awarded to 100 high school graduates enrolling in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at 20 partner universities in Canada. Every high school in Canada can submit one Schulich Leader Nominee per academic year based on academic excellence in STEM, entrepreneurial leadership, and financial need.

About The Schulich Foundation

The Schulich Foundation is one of Canada’s largest foundations, having donated in excess of $350 million. Seymour Schulich established and funded The Schulich Foundation. He holds Canada’s highest civilian award, the Order of Canada, and is among Canada’s greatest philanthropists. Having benefited greatly from a scholarship that enabled him to do his MBA, Mr. Schulich has built a well-earned reputation as a champion for education and access to education in Canada and around the world. The Schulich Foundation has endowed university faculties of business, engineering, medicine, law, education, music, chemistry, nursing and dentistry; libraries, dormitories, courtyards, medical health centers, lecture and music halls. Over 6,000 scholarships are awarded annually to students in Schulich Schools.

The Foundation’s largest initiative is the $200 million Schulich Leaders Scholarships program, spanning 25 universities across Canada and Israel, in support of students pursuing STEM education.

For more information visit: schulichleaders.com

For media inquiries contact: David Goodman

dgoodman@schulichfoundation.org

647-289-1950 (direct)

#2023SchulichLeaders #LeadersGonnaLead #STEM