Skip to content

Student's Horatio Alger scholarship a first in Surrey

Photo By Kevin Hill
Bavneet purewal just received a $5000 scholarship.

NEWTON — A Surrey high school student has been awarded a $5,000 scholarship in what is the first time the Horatio Alger Association has offered such grants to those in B.C. Bavneet Purewal of Tamanawis Secondary was recently announced as one of 20 B.C. recipients of the award, and the only Surrey student to make the cut.

"I was so incredibly happy, I couldn't believe it," said Purewal, who applied for the scholarship after a friend pointed it out to her. "Then I just applied and I got it."

The scholarships are awarded annually to high school students identified as having a critical financial need as well as demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity. The student's character, academic record and dedication to pursuing higher education are also taken into consideration.

Applicants were also required to have given back to their community in one way or another, which Purewal was readily qualified for.

"I volunteer with Canadian Blood Services where I supervise donors after they've donated and I basically watch out for emergencies and provide them with refreshments and stuff, making them comfortable and appreciating their time coming out to donate," she said.

The scholarships were brought to B.C. in partnership with Jim Pattison and, prior to 2014, were only offered in three other provinces across Canada.

According to numbers provided by the Horatio Alger Association, more than 3,600 students applied for the 2014 scholarships, with the average annual family income of applicants being $17,783. The high school grade average of applicants was 87 per cent and 55 per cent also had to work during the school year.

Because of her award, Purewal said she's now able to get started on pursuing her dream of medicine at the University of British Columbia, which she was just accepted to earlier this week.

"This year's winners are an exceptional group of motivated students who will shape the future of our country," said Dominic D'Alessandro, president of the Horatio Alger Association of Canada. "They are proof that with hard work and determination, anyone can overcome difficult circumstances.

"It is an honour for the association to help these inspiring young leaders with their education."

cpoon@thenownewspaper.com