A Grade 12 Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School (HCCSS) student is the recipient of the prestigious Queen's University Chancellor's Scholarship.
Katie Murphy has been selected as the recipient of the full scholarship because of her community focus, her exemplary leadership skills, and her overall kind-hearted nature.
The scholarship places a high value on students not only excelling academically but being leaders in their communities.
According to Ms. Stephanie Pacheco, HCCSS English and arts teacher, it is Katie's enthusiasm for learning and community mindedness that makes her an ideal candidate for leadership and for this scholarship program.
Katie notes that while the application process was straightforward, consisting of two short essays and one creative task, it was the outstanding reference letter her English teacher Ms. Pacheco wrote that made her submission stand out in a pool of applications.
“My teachers were instrumental in the success of my application. I would like to thank all the amazing teachers I have had the privilege of getting to know throughout high school. They are truly some of the most passionate, hardworking, and kind people I have ever met," said Katie.
Katie has accepted the offer to study Continuing Education Science at Queen's University in September. The five-year program will allow Katie to receive both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Education degree, with a plan to teach high school following.
“I would love to be able to teach in the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board after University. To be a part of the same community I enjoyed so much as a student would be the ultimate reward."
“I am excited for University," she said. “I am looking forward to meeting like-minded people who share the same passions as me and who can push me to be the best version of myself."
An active member of the Holy Cross Student Council, the Girls Badminton team and CICS (Crusaders in Community Service), Katie looks forward getting involved in extracurriculars while at Queen's and is hopeful she may be able to join the Queen's band.
