WAKAW — Many high school students do not begin thinking about applying for scholarships until they are in their final year of high school, but being proactive and researching all possibilities for post-secondary education funding had a larger-than-expected result for one local student.
Principal Patrick Winand shared news about Wakaw School student, Kayla Peacock. He wrote:
“Kayla Peacock, a dedicated student from Wakaw School, has recently made an impact with her incredible achievements and determination. In grade 11, she applied for a scholarship through the prestigious Horatio Alger Association. While working at Little Minnows Daycare this year, Kayla received the exciting news that her hard work had paid off. She was selected for the University Success Program, a course focused on honing communication and leadership skills.
“As part of this opportunity, Kayla attended a conference in Toronto where she learned valuable lessons on how to stand out as a leader. There, she had the chance to meet high-profile figures, including the renowned Michael Bublé, and received firsthand advice on how to make meaningful connections with others. It was an experience that left a lasting impact on her personal and professional growth.
“But the surprises didn’t end there. Kayla was later informed that she was one of only ten students chosen to attend an exclusive event in Washington, D.C. from April 2 to 6. This all-expenses-paid trip will allow her to attend breakout sessions, listen to keynote speakers, and network with fellow members of the Horatio Alger Association, providing an invaluable opportunity for her future endeavours.
“In addition to these incredible opportunities, Kayla received a $10,000 scholarship to help fund her studies toward a biomedical undergraduate degree at the University of Saskatchewan and St. Peter's College. With her sights set on a career in dentistry, Kayla’s goal is to become an orthodontist and give back to her community, which has supported her every step of the way.
“When speaking with Kayla, her gratitude shines through. She reflects on how being recognized for her determination and dedication has been a deeply humbling experience. “Having people take the time to listen and see me makes me feel amazing and not overlooked,” she shared. “It was my dream when I was younger to make it far in life and give back to others.
“Her hard work, perseverance, and positive attitude are a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and a desire to make a difference. Congratulations, Kayla — we are all incredibly proud of you and can’t wait to see where your journey takes you.”
The Horatio Alger Association of Canada has two main functions. First, it recognizes Canadians who have demonstrated perseverance and achieved significant success in life by granting them lifetime membership in the organization, along with the International Horatio Alger Award. Second, the Association provides post-secondary scholarships, over 300 annually, to deserving young Canadians across all provinces and territories. Since 2012, the Canadian Association has awarded $16 million to more than 2,000 deserving students from coast to coast. In addition to financial support, recipients also benefit from financial aid counselling, internships, and mental health support services.
“The Horatio Alger Association of Canada (HAAC) was founded in 2009 to inspire individual Canadians to reach their highest potential, thereby strengthening Canadian society as a whole. The Horatio Alger Association bears the name of renowned author Horatio Alger, Jr., whose tales of overcoming adversity through unyielding perseverance and basic moral principles captivated the public in the late 19th century."
Since 2016, the Horatio Alger Canadian Scholarship Program has been offering scholarships of up to $10,000 to students from all Canadian provinces and territories. Additionally, in 2016, the HAAC launched a national scholarship program focused on vocational and technical education. Since the Canadian scholarship programs began in 2012, the Horatio Alger Association of Canada has awarded over $11.4 million to 1,428 students.
In preparation for its sixth annual Excellence Gala, held on Nov. 19, 2024, at the Fairmont Royal York, the Horatio Alger Association of Canada announced a significant increase in funding for its undergraduate scholarship programs. The Horatio Alger Canadian Scholarships and Horatio Alger Québec Scholarships will now offer a total of 170 scholarships awarded each year, doubling the amount from $5,000 to $10,000 per student.
The available undergraduate scholarships include ten Horatio Alger National Entrepreneurial Scholarships at $25,000 each, 160 Canadian Scholarships at $10,000 each, five Horatio Alger Indigenous Achievement Scholarships at $10,000 each, and Fairfax Financial Entrance Awards.
To be eligible, students must be current grade 11 high school students (with the exception of the Indigenous Achievement Scholarship and the Fairfax Financial Entrance Awards) and must be progressing normally toward graduation with plans to pursue a university education. Home-schooled students are also eligible to apply. All applicants must have and maintain a minimum average of 70 percent.
“The core of our organization is celebrating those who come from humble beginnings and succeed mightily thanks to the free enterprise system. Due to the tremendous generosity of both Horatio Alger Members and the loyal sponsors of our annual Excellence Gala, we are in a financial position to substantially further our commitment to empowering Canadian students facing adversity at a time when so many are grappling with increased living costs,” said Prem Watsa, President of the Association. “We view our scholarships as much more than monetary assistance – they are an investment in Canada’s future leaders.”
Exceptional individuals who receive the prestigious International Horatio Alger Award are inducted into the Horatio Alger Association of Canada as lifelong members. Through its members, the Association educates Canadian youth about the economic and personal opportunities available to them through the free-enterprise system. Additionally, the Association awards need-based scholarships each year to deserving students across Canada who demonstrate financial need and have persevered through adversity. The Association also provides mentorship to its scholars, emphasizing the importance of helping others. Members directly support promising young people by offering the education, confidence, and guidance needed for them to achieve their aspirations.
Some distinguished members of the Horatio Alger Association of Canada include Michael Bublé, Ryan Reynolds, the late former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Wayne Gretzky, Jim Pattison, and former Governor General David Johnston. Although their life and career paths differ greatly, members of the Horatio Alger Association embody the spirit of resilience and exemplify how determination can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Far from following in her elder sister’s footsteps, even though both Emma and Kayla have the medical field in their sights, Kayla is blazing a trail of her own with the support of HAAC.
