Sudbury's Tyler Smith, a Grade 12 student in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School, has earned a $100,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship to study engineering at Hamilton's McMaster University.
The scholarship recognizes outstanding young Canadian leaders seeking an undergraduate degree in a STEM field of study - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Smith has also earned a FIRST Alumni Scholarship valued at $15,000 as well as an Engineering Research Experience Award which will give him an on-campus research position working with a professor or a start-up next summer.
Smith provides educational leadership within Lo-Ellen Park’s Engineering, Design + Innovative Technology (EDIT) Lab where students gain understanding and skills through hands-on learning.
An active member of Lo-Ellen Park’s award-winning robotics team, Smith advances opportunities in STEM in the school and the community.
FIRST Canada recognized his contributions as one of two Dean’s List finalists in Ontario in 2021.
He is currently an advocate for STEM education as a member of FIRST Canada’s Executive Youth Council. He plans to continue in a mentorship role during his post-secondary studies.
In a Rainbow District School Board news release, Smith, who is interested in mechatronics engineering, said he was honoured to be selected a Schulich Leader.
“This scholarship, and the support from FIRST, will allow me to pursue my passion in engineering. I am grateful for the support and the opportunity to be mentored by leaders in the field.”
“On behalf of Rainbow District School Board, I would like to congratulate Tyler for his outstanding achievement,” said board chair Bob Clement in a statement.
“Tyler is among the next generation of engineers, designers, innovators and creators. We commend him for his leadership and thank him for his mentorship.” “Tyler is most deserving of these honours and we are very proud of him,” added Lo-Ellen Park Principal Pamela Potvin.
“We wish Tyler continued success, knowing that he will be an exemplary ambassador as a Schulich Leader and an inspiring role model.” said Dan Monti, program leader of technology studies, who has taught Smith throughout high school and worked closely with him as a leader of the school’s Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Manufacturing.
“Tyler’s ability in the STEM field is among the strongest I have encountered in my 14-year career teaching both engineering robotics and senior mathematics at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School,” said Monti. “From a technical perspective, Tyler has independently learned math concepts well above his grade level to ensure that students continue to drive the EDIT program at Lo-Ellen Park for years to come.”
As he gets ready to graduate, Smith leaves a lasting legacy.
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School received $40,000 in EDIT program sponsorship to develop the prototype based on the framework that he developed. The work will be part of an experiential learning project for students over the next three years.
- Sudbury.com
