Delburne student Eythan Young a recipient of $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship

Delburne School student, Eythan Young, is the recipient of a coveted Schulich Leader Scholarship, worth $120,000. The scholarship will help Young in his studies at the University of Alberta, starting in the fall of 2025.

“I was thrilled to even be selected as my school’s nominee,” says Young. “And then late one evening when I was at home, I got an email. I opened it and it said I will receive this scholarship. My Mom started jumping for joy! We were so excited. It was unbelievable!”

Candidates selected by their school can apply for the scholarship at specific universities. Young applied for the scholarship at both the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta, and he says he is elated that the U of A selected him. He will study engineering. He hopes to enter the mechanical engineering program in the second year of his studies, and then explore career options within the engineering field. He also hopes to participate in the U of A’s co-op program, allowing him to gain real world experience.

Schulich Leader Scholarships are focused on students who will take STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) studies in an undergraduate program in Canada. Each high school can only nominate one student for the award. There are 1,500 nominees each year in Canada and that is narrowed to 100 scholarships given out to students who will each attend one of 20 partner universities. The criteria for the award includes academic excellence, leadership ability, and financial need. 

In addition to receiving a Schulich Scholarship, Young is Delburne School’s valedictorian this year. Principal Jocelyn Pennock says, “Eythan has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership and personal integrity throughout his high school career.” 

She says he is the founder and leader of the school’s 3D printing club, where he “inspires peers with his passion for innovation and problem solving.”  Pennock says, “Under Eythan’s leadership, the club has grown into a space where students explore new technologies, collaborate on projects, and develop critical thinking skills.”  

Additionally, she says he treats others with respect and compassion, and “Eythan exemplifies the character and leadership we hope to instill in all of our students.”

Rob Simpson, a teacher at Delburne School, wrote, in a letter of support for the scholarship, that Young has “genuine curiosity, a strong work ethic, unwavering determination to excel and passion to pursue studies in the engineering field.” Simpson noted Young’s academic excellence, and said that Young also “works tirelessly to make positive contributions in his community”. 

Delburne teacher Nicholas Schultz says Young has created innovative projects on his own; for instance a remote controlled race car, or a 3D art piece that has an electric motor and gears.  He is impressed with Young’s leadership in the 3D printing club, noting Young has a gift for combining the physical and digital worlds,  and art with engineering. Schultz says he has observed that Young “has been able to, and willing, to help his peers succeed in their courses, and they are grateful to him for his kind and patient way.” 

“I would like to thank my Mom for her support,” says Young. “Also, I would like to thank my teachers at Delburne School. My Mom says I used to struggle in school. I’ve improved a lot over the years, and my Mom and the teachers have helped me succeed.”

Jody Young, Eythan’s mother, says, “Eythan’s Dad and I are immensely proud of the hard work, dedication and determination he has put towards his academics; his courage to go outside his comfort zone and engage in athletics; and the support he has given us at our small business.” 

Jody Young says, “Eythan has come so far. The teachers and staff at Delburne School helped get him to where he is today and we appreciate the support they have shown our child and family. We are beyond grateful to the Schulich Foundation and the University of Alberta for offering him this esteemed scholarship and for the opportunities and doors this scholarship will open for our son”. 

Eythan Young says he appreciates coming from a K-12 school. “We are a small school, where I am graduating with people I’ve known since kindergarten. One big advantage of that is the teachers who knew me and personalized their support just for me.”