With the help of the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship program, graduating high school student Neill Botushanski is headed to York University this fall to begin his studies in the Faculty of Science’s actuarial science program.

He is among 100 incoming undergraduate students from across Canada to receive the 2022 Schulich Leader Scholarship for undergraduate education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), which is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, charisma and creativity. There were 1,500 nominations this year, from a larger pool of 300,000 high-school candidates.

Botushanski will receive $80,000 over four years toward his actuarial science degree. Attending Cardinal Carter Catholic High School in Aurora, he was a fixture on the school’s honour roll, a frequent recipient of academic awards and a representative on student council. He founded his school’s first ever science club, which aimed to help his fellow students excel in their studies in the face of challenges associated with remote learning during the pandemic, and to create an atmosphere of excitement about STEM as a passion and career option. Additionally, Botushanski founded an e-commerce business with the aim of developing a platform to connect buyers and sellers of scarce consumer goods.

"I’m excited to tackle the future and to realize my ambitions in the realm of entrepreneurship, thanks to the Schulich Leader Scholarship," Botushanski said.

Read the full press release from York University.