 Margaret Ascan is a graduating student of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Branksome Hall. Born and raised in Toronto, Margaret’s education took an unconventional path when changes in her family’s circumstances led her to relocate abroad. With limited access to affordable schooling, she began taking a range of online courses and embraced every opportunity to expand her knowledge independently. During this time, she read avidly, learned to code, and continued developing her skills as a pianist. Academically, she consistently sought to learn beyond her course requirements, deepening her interests across subjects. Her genuine love of learning helped prepare her to thrive in the rigour of the IB when she returned to Canada.
After receiving a full scholarship to attend Branksome Hall, Margaret immersed herself in all that her new community had to offer. She greatly enjoyed her higher-level mathematics, physics, chemistry, and literature courses. In her two years, she also co-founded a student start-up to redistribute academic resources, joined the choir, and participated in science, mathematics, debating, and history competitions. Margaret is profoundly grateful to everyone who has supported her journey, including her family, her teachers and mentors, her friends, the Branksome community, and now the McEuen Scholarship Foundation. This fall, she will begin studying physics at the University of St Andrews and hopes to channel her curiosity into an applied research career. She is honoured to receive the McEuen Scholarship and excited for the opportunity to fulfil her dream of living in Europe, learning within a diverse academic community, and pursuing knowledge at the highest level. This year, the McEuen Foundation has chosen to award the scholarship to two exceptional students, who will both begin their studies at St Andrews in the fall of 2025.  Joshua Enechukwu is a graduate of Webber Academy in Calgary, where he excelled academically and actively contributed to the school community. He was a dedicated member of the senior varsity basketball team and played a key role in their journey to the provincial championships. He was also a member of the senior varsity cross country, volleyball, and track and field teams. As a student coach, he prepared players to transition to high school basketball through drills and plays, emphasizing teamwork and discipline. His leadership extended beyond the court, as he was an active member of the student council for three years, where he shared innovative ideas and helped bring school events to life. Additionally, Joshua significantly boosted the academic confidence of grade seven students through tutoring. In the wider community, Joshua is committed to service and mentorship. He founded his mentorship program, Bright Minds Strong Men, where he supports students from Africa and Canada through guidance, funding for tutoring, and essential resources. He also volunteers weekly at Verve Senior Living and the Vecova Recreation Center, where he supports seniors and children with disabilities. These experiences continue to fuel Joshua’s passion for medicine and deepen his understanding and appreciation for holistic care. He is also an active member of the youth orchestra at his local church, where he plays the flute. This fall, Joshua will begin his medical studies at the University of St Andrews. With deep gratitude, he looks forward to starting this journey as a McEuen Scholar and is ready to represent the foundation’s values of leadership and excellence.  Callaghan Mayo is a graduating student from the International Baccalaureate program at the International School Manila. Originally from Sarnia, Ontario, Callaghan moved overseas at the age of eight and has since lived in Seoul, South Korea, and Manila, Philippines. Her international upbringing has fostered a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and played a key role in shaping her academic passion for history and international relations. Throughout high school, Callaghan has been an active member of her school community. She has participated in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including the varsity football (soccer) and softball teams, the French Honour Society, and the Student Ambassadors Club. A highlight of her time abroad has been engaging in meaningful volunteer work with organizations such as Stepping Stones and Child Hope, where she has collaborated with local experts and community members to address child poverty in Manila. Callaghan is also an avid football player. For the past four years, she has played with Kaya, a local Filipino club, which has allowed her to connect with the broader community outside of school. As a member of her school's varsity football team, she has contributed to back-to-back gold medal wins in the local RIFA tournament. In the fall, Callaghan will begin her studies in Modern History and International Relations at the University of St Andrews. She is eager to explore a field she sees as increasingly vital in today’s global context and looks forward to continuing her commitment to service and community engagement during her time at university. Callaghan expresses her deep gratitude for the support of the McEuen Scholarship Foundation and is honoured to represent the foundation throughout her studies and future endeavours.  Originally from Benin City, Nigeria, James Osagie has lived in Australia, the USA, and Canada, attending more than 10 schools. This diverse upbringing has exposed him to various cultural backgrounds, enriching his global perspective. At Memorial High School, James actively served in the Student Government, advocating for his peers and spearheading initiatives to enhance the school community. He is also a dedicated member of the Interact Club, contributing to fundraising efforts for local and international causes such as the J Street Youth Centre and Doctors Without Borders. Additionally, James participated in the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest and volunteered for the Headstart program, assisting incoming grade 9 students in their transition to high school. James will be studying medicine at the University of St Andrews. He currently volunteers at Northside General Hospital, providing valuable support and comfort to patients. "I am a recent graduate of the international baccalaureate program at Branksome Hall in Toronto. During my time at Branksome I was actively engaged in numerous co-curricular activities including ASL Club, Sustainability Council, Dance Company, and Sunnyview. One of the most rewarding opportunities I had at Branksome was my time volunteering and leading the group of volunteers at Sunnyview Public school, working with children with complex physical, developmental, and/or medical and health needs. I am grateful to have been awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award. "Outside of school, I danced competitively from the age of 5 in styles such as jazz and contemporary. I also participated in a public health internship through a non-profit organization called Leadership Initiatives. During this internship I worked with my team in Canada as well as my project coordinators in the United States and Nigeria to design public health campaigns and community workshops, focusing on topics such as maternal health and vaccinations, for rural and underserved communities in Bauchi State, Nigeria. "Furthermore, I am a passionate volunteer at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital where I work in therapeutic recreation with inpatients ages 0-6 in the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team and Special Orthopedic Developmental Rehabilitation Team. This summer I look forward to volunteering in the emergency department at the Hospital for Sick Children. "I cannot wait to begin my education at the University of St. Andrews where I will be studying medicine in the A990 Canadian Direct Entry Medical Program. I am beyond grateful and honored to have been awarded the 2023 McEuen Scholarship and I am very excited for all the opportunities to come. I look forward to representing this scholarship and the McEuen Scholarship Foundation at St. Andrews this fall." Congratulations, Katharine! |
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About usThe McEuen Scholarship is awarded to qualified Canadian students aged 21 or younger for a full three-year undergraduate or a four-year honours degree at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
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McEuen Scholarship Foundation, Inc. 1300-100 Queen Street Ottawa ON K1P 1J9 Administrative office: McEuen Scholarship Foundation, Inc. 1195 Sherbrooke Street West Montreal QC H3A 1H9 514-842-2030 [email protected] |
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