Rylan Marianchuk, grade 12 student at Humboldt Collegiate Institute, is this year's Schulich Leader Scholarship recipient for the University of Calgary.

Rylan is the first HCI student to be awarded the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship, according to a Horizon School Division press release.

This scholarship is worth up to $80,000 over the course of his undergraduate degree ($20,000 per year, renewed annually based on meeting criteria for academics and leadership). Rylan will be studying Scientific Computation, with a focus on Biology. He says he is especially interested in the future of computing, artificial intelligence, and the potential these have to improve our lives.

Paul Raycroft, teacher and career counsellor at HCI, nominated Rylan for this scholarship. The application process required Rylan to submit an 800-word essay, a list of achievements, and two reference letters – one of which was written by HCI Vice Principal, Mr. David Millette.

"Rylan has always exhibited himself as one who possesses integrity, commitment, excellent work ethic, and skill," says Mr. Millette. "He consistently receives our school's gold or silver medals, given to students who have the highest academic averages during the school year. He is a very well-rounded individual who exemplifies the virtues our school promotes."

In addition to his impressive academic achievements, Rylan is a musician and accomplished student athlete. He has attained his grade 8 in piano and competes in a number of school sports. Earlier this year, Rylan was a member of the HCI Senior Boys Volleyball team – coached by Mr. Millette – which won the 4A Saskatchewan Provincial title. He is also an avid baseball player. Last summer, he won gold at the Canada Games as a member of the Saskatchewan Baseball team. Recently, he has been in talks with the coach of the University of Calgary Dinos to discuss joining their baseball team next fall.

"I want to thank Mr. Millette for his time as my teacher and coach, and for showing me what it takes to be a leader," Rylan says. "I want to thank all my teachers for their guidance, and all my coaches for the discipline and work ethic needed to succeed. I also want to thank my parents for always being there."