Science welcomes a 2017 Schulich Leader scholarship winner

Saba Askari is one of the two outstanding young scholars to receive the Schulich Leadership scholarship- the highest value scholarship offered to undergraduate students entering the University of Victoria directly from high school. 

The Schulich Leader scholarships are awarded annually to 50 students at Canada’s top universities to pursue studies in STEM subjects: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

For North Vancouver’s Saba Askari, receiving the prestigious scholarship was “a message from the universe.” It meant that her determination and hard work, along with her parents’ many sacrifices, were paying off. 

“My parents emigrated from Iran to give us opportunity,” says Askari. “We weren’t always financially stable. It looked like I’d have to live at home, go to a school nearby and work almost full time. Now, I’ll get the full experience of living in residence and focusing on my studies at UVic!” 

While at Seycove Secondary, Askari received the Outstanding Scholar award, Exemplary Student award, Outstanding Citizen award, and plaques commemorating her achievements in math, English and science. She served as president of her school’s Diversity Club, on student council and was an active member of numerous school clubs including a writing club, where she is writing a contemporary science-fiction novel. 

Outside of school, Askari launched Water for Our World, a small foundation that creates and sells handmade silk‑screened hats with proceeds going towards water sanitation services in Ashanti, Ghana.  

The Schulich Leader scholarships were launched in 2012 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Seymour Schulich. 

Read more at The Ring.