Students join UVic as 2021 Schulich Leaders

Two standout students will join the University of Victoria community this fall as recipients of the prestigious national Schulich Leader Scholarship.

Out of a pool of 350,000 potential candidates across Canada, 1,400 students were nominated, and a total of 100 scholarships awarded. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Canada’s largest science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) scholarship.

Denaisha Kraft

Denaisha Kraft is a recipient of the $80,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship for science, joining UVic this fall to pursue studies in chemistry.

This scholarship really is a dream come true. It is life changing for both me and my family. It opens up so many opportunities to explore different areas of STEM. The network you become a part of is full of amazing individuals who are so inspired to make an impact in their area.

—Denaisha Kraft, Schulich Leader Scholarship recipient

“That’s what I want to do: use my education to make an impact and help others. It’s definitely something I couldn’t be more thankful for.”

Kraft graduated from St. Joseph High School in Red Deer, Alberta with a 99.5 per cent average. Her enthusiasm for math and sciences went beyond the classroom, seen in her work as a peer tutor and participation in events like the University of Waterloo’s Pascal and Freyer mathematics contests in which she placed among the top quarter of all participants in Canada.

“I just wanted to challenge myself,” Kraft says, reflecting on signing up for the contest. “Math interested me because you’re presented with problems that don’t just make you recall information. You have to be able to apply it to unfamiliar situations. That’s inspired me to apply my knowledge to problems outside of classrooms and contests, the ones facing society.”

Alongside her academic success, Kraft also graduates as a varsity athlete. She played on both the badminton and volleyball teams, acting as an assistant coach for the badminton team. That team placed third in provincial badminton competitions.

Kraft says sports have been a staple in her life for the past seven years, and the many hours of practice are integral to her success: “Sports are definitely a stress release…and also fun!” Athletics is one of the many things she’s eager to explore at UVic this fall.

“It’s so exciting; I really can’t wait,” says Kraft.

My Huy Lim

My Huy Lim is joining UVic to pursue a degree in engineering with a focus on biomedical and mechanical engineering. Her goal: to improve the quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments. Eventually, she plans to form her own prosthetics company to help others overcome their physical impediments to reach their full potential.

The recipient of the $100,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship was a top student with a 98 per cent average from Parksville’s École Ballenas Secondary School. Beyond excelling in her academic studies, Lim is also deeply committed to improving communities. In her school, she worked as a peer math tutor, was president of her school's Rotary Interact club, co-president of her graduating class—all while being very active in school athletic teams.

In her local community, she volunteered with the local Salvation Army and was a Special Olympics coach. Her referees highlighted her many inclusive and innovative leadership skills including empathy, persistence, resilience, curiosity, and her enthusiastic and entrepreneurial-minded spirit.

“I love being creative and being logical to solve problems. I believe that engineering is a field that will bring me new and exciting opportunities! I see the great potential that technology and engineering have to make positive impacts on people’s lives,” says Lim.

Lim says the scholarship has brought great honour to herself, her family, her teachers and to her high school. During the pandemic, she and her sisters have continued to live in Canada apart from their parents and she feels the scholarship will give her the opportunity to become the person she is determined to be, despite her challenges.

This scholarship will give me the opportunities to meet and connect with other inspiring leaders, and help support me to be successful in my future as an engineer with interests in entrepreneurial pursuits.

—My Huy Lim, Schulich Leader Scholarship recipient

Read more about the Schulich Leader Scholarships Canada.