A Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School (HCCSS) student is the recipient of the prestigious Queen's University Chancellor's Scholarship, which places a high value on students not only excelling academically but being leaders in their school communities.
Samara DeJonge, grade 12, has been selected as the recipient of the full scholarship because of her contribution to the school community and genuine desire to be of service.
Samara’s dream is to pursue a career in medicine or medical research. A survivor of childhood cancer herself, her hope is to help others in situations like hers. “God gave me a second chance at life and as such, I have a duty and desire to use this gift to heal others as I was healed,” she said.
Samara has accepted the offer to study in the Life Sciences and Biochemistry program at Queen's University. “I’m excited to learn in a new way!” she said. “I look forward to being surrounded by people who are passionate about the same things as I am. It will be a totally new environment and a challenge, but I am thrilled that I get to learn from experts in my chosen field."
Samara DeJonge, grade 12, Queen's University Chancellor's Scholarship recipient.
Samara notes that while the application process was straightforward, it was competitive by nature and credits the support and preparation she received from her teachers and the nomination she received from her school, as making all the difference in her being the recipient of the award. “My teachers, especially my science teachers, have inspired and motivated me to pursue excellence in academics. I appreciate those teachers who took the time to look over my application and owe a debt of gratitude to Ms. Check-Drumm, who wrote me an incredible letter of recommendation”, she said.
An active member of the Holy Cross school community, Samara expresses feeling melancholy when asked about graduation. “I’ll miss the inside jokes; my favourite classes and teachers, the clubs and teams I’ve joined, my close friends, and the less-close friends that I’ll probably never see again,” she said. “I’ll miss the familiarity I have developed with this place, with everyone and everything here and I’ll especially miss the arts department at Holy Cross, as I was involved deeply with the musicals, improv team, and much more. I’ve spent so much of my life so far at Holy Cross, graduating will be bittersweet for sure”.
