Congratulations to Gurleen Kaur and Mahrukh Hassan, recipients of the University of Saskatchewan's Best and Brightest Awards!
Gurleen and Mahrukh, both Grade 12 students at Bedford Road Collegiate, received the surprise of a lifetime on Monday, March 18, 2024, when representatives of the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) came to the school to present the awards to the students.
Mahrukh is the recipient of the George and Marsha Ivany President's First & Best Scholarships Award, valued at $40,000 ($10,000/year over four years).
"It's an honour to be given this award," said Mahrukh. "I am very grateful for even being considered and that the U of S saw value in the things I do, both in school and outside of school."
Gurleen is the recipient of one of two U of S Entrance Scholarships, valued at $24,000 ($6,000/year over four years).
"It is absolutely surreal that I won this award," said Gurleen. "I am beyond grateful and thankful for this opportunity. To me, this award means that I am one step closer to achieving my dreams of becoming a pediatrician. It also means that all the hard work, dedication and effort that I have put into my academics and extracurriculars is being recognized and I find that so special."
Both Mahrukh and Gurleen intend to study medicine at university, though they each have their own unique way of getting there. Gurleen plans to study kinesiology as an undergraduate and to eventually become a pediatrician.
"My goal is to not only elevate myself but also those around me," said Gurleen. "I work well with younger people, and I want to help them the best way I can. As of right now, I do this academically through tutoring, but I aspire to achieve more when I become a doctor."
Mahrukh plans to study cellular physiology and pharmacology and to become an emergency medicine or internal medicine doctor.
"I think being a doctor is a unique position because you can leave a lasting impact, often generational, on others," said Mahrukh. "I would also like to push for systemic change to improve the healthcare system, so that it can better serve marginalized people who often don't receive the care they need."
"I was absolutely joyous to see Gurleen and Mahrukh receive the great news," said Kirk Gordon, a counsellor with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, which Gurleen and Mahrukh are both a part of. "It was such a lovely day for our Bedford Road community, particularly the IB program. The only thing comparable in terms of fulfillment was to see the genuine happiness for Gurleen and Mahrukh by their peers and teachers. Such a special moment!"
Gurleen is also the recipient of the Her Mark scholarship, which she received in November 2024. Her Mark is a Canadian charity that strives to empower the next generation of female leaders. The scholarship is valued at $5,000. In addition, Mahrukh has been nominated for the Loran Scholarship, which is the country's largest undergraduate merit award for character, commitment to service and leadership potential.
