A Barrie teen has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s University Chancellor Scholarship.
Max Nykoliation, who will graduate from Maple Ridge Secondary School in the city’s south end in a few weeks, was selected as one of only 50 Canadian students for the award, which is given to students who have proven superior academic ability, creative and original thinking and proven leadership qualities.
Nykoliation was one of more than 4,000 applicants for the award, which also comes with funding of $48,000 over four years, telling BarrieToday he was “incredibly honoured” to have been nominated and selected for the scholarship.
“There are many amazing people out there doing many incredible things, so I was shocked to learn I was one of 50 recipients across Canada. To me, this scholarship is the culmination of all my hard work and dedication across my life thus far. I’m beyond excited to begin this next chapter of my life, and to embrace new challenges,” said Nykoliation.
He plans to pursue a bachelor of commerce degree at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, located in Kingston.
In addition to maintaining a 95-plus average all through high school, Nykoliation has stacked up a number of accolades — both academic and personal.
He participated in an international student exchange to Toulouse France, as well as in the esteemed Simcoe County wide Global Perspectives Program, a five-credit semester long program offered by the Simcoe County District School Board and the City of Barrie Youth Ambassadors program.
Nykoliation was also the recipient of the Andrea Khanjin Award of Excellence for the top mark in the Global Perspectives Program, has worked for both Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard as a junior aid and as an instructor in sport, fitness and recreation for the city.
Outside of the classroom, Nykoliation has been heavily involved with the cross-country, ultimate, basketball and volleyball teams at his school, completion of a 82.8-kilometre ultra-marathon and created the 'MyBetterSelf' social media campaign, and served as the Little Pantries Project Leader to combat community food insecurity with the Barrie Food Bank.
Nykoliation also has the unique honour of being among the first graduating class at his high school, which opened September 2021.
“With the help of the amazing teachers and fellow students I have had the opportunity to learn, grow and experience so much in just the three short years after the school opened," he said.
"A new school also provides lots of opportunity to make an impact on the culture and activities that will affect many students for years to come. Although there were several hurdles initially, it has been a privilege to be a part of such an extraordinary school and community," Nykoliation added.
