Georgia Pitblado, a recent graduate of Ursuline College Chatham, has been awarded a prestigious $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship to study engineering at Western University this fall.
Selected for her academic excellence and leadership, Pitblado is only the second student from UCC to receive the award, which is Canada’s largest undergraduate STEM scholarship. She was nominated by the school’s selection committee in recognition of her outstanding achievements both in and out of the classroom.
“I’m beyond grateful and humbled to be named a Schulich Leader,” Pitblado said. “This scholarship opens doors I never dreamed possible and gives me the chance to pursue engineering with the support of an incredible national network.”
Lisa Demers, Director of Education for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, praised Pitblado’s accomplishments, calling her “an inspiration to students across St. Clair Catholic.”
UCC principal Lisa Harnarine echoed that sentiment, noting Pitblado’s impact on the school community. “She has excelled academically while contributing immensely to student life through leadership, service, and passion,” Harnarine said. “We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with her.”
The Schulich Leader Scholarships are awarded annually to high school graduates enrolling in STEM programs at 20 partner universities across Canada. The program aims to support and retain top talent in science, technology, engineering, and math.
With the scholarship behind her, Pitblado is preparing to begin her engineering studies at Western and hopes to contribute to innovation and problem-solving in the future.
“Supporting their entrepreneurial ambition is essential,” the Schulich Foundation noted, “as these scholars go on to become the innovators and entrepreneurs our country needs.”
