Stelly’s Secondary School student Mikayla Milne was recently awarded a scholarship from CIBC.
Milne, 15, was selected to receive a scholarship through CIBC Youthvision Scholarship Award program. The scholarship, valued at up to $40,000, was given to 33 recipients across Canada. It will help make it possible for high-potential students like Milne to pursue their dreams of a post-secondary education.
“Personally, I am awed that I was chosen for it. It was very humbling. It makes me really grateful and I’m happy to be able to show other people that these types of things are possible,” Milne said.
Milne, who will be entering Grade 11 in September, has aspirations of achieving a degree in psychology and criminology so she can reach her dream of working in the field of crime prevention.
She currently volunteers with the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre as part of the Project Respect’s Rhizome Youth Social Action Team.
“For me it’s a great group because you really feel like you’re part of something tangible,” Milne said.
“It’s a really open and welcoming space and lots of great people are involved from different backgrounds and experiences. I’ve learned a lot.”
The CIBC Youthvision Scholarship program is now in its 16th year and has helped almost 500 students attain their post-secondary goals.
To be eligible for the scholarship, Grade 10 students must be enrolled in a mentoring program with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada or the YMCA.
“I’m currently paired with a Big Sister which I think is amazing. It’s so important for youth to have someone other than just parents or teachers to talk to and that’s why Big Brothers and Big Sisters is such a good program,” Milne said.
Through the scholarship, Milne will receive ongoing mentoring from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada until she graduates from her post-secondary education.
Milne and Henry Sexsmith (the other recipient of the scholarship in Victoria) were recognized in a celebration at the Westshore Banking Centre CIBC on June 25.
reporter@peninsulanewsreview.com