A Grand Bay-Westfield student has 100,000 reasons to celebrate as she heads off to university in the fall.
Daniella Overko has been named one of 10 annual recipients of the Ted Rogers Legacy Scholarship.
She will receive a total of $100,000 over four years while she studies computer science at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John.
Overko, whose family immigrated to Canada from Ukraine when she was a baby, said the scholarship will relieve a tremendous financial burden.
“It will allow me not only to focus on acquiring the skills and knowledge required to create change and to pursue a postgraduate program, but to start creating an impact now,” said Overko.
“This scholarship will also create a ripple effect for my family, making it easier for my siblings to receive a post-secondary education.”
Overko, who graduated from Saint John High School in June, was recognized for her academic excellence and community leadership.
She challenged herself academically in school, taking part in the International Baccalaureate program and receiving Greyhound Honours.
Overko is a lifelong volunteer, including in recent years with Make-a-Wish, Hope for Hearing, and the Grand Bay-Westfield Youth Council, and plans to mentor youth while studying at UNB.
She dreams of using her education to help young people, from ensuring youth have access to STEM-related opportunities, to keeping them safe online to prevent cyberbullying or trafficking.
“I am very grateful to my parents for their hard work creating a new life here and for this scholarship that shows that anything is possible in Canada if you work hard,” said Overko.
The Ted Rogers Legacy Scholarship is provided by Rogers Communications and awarded to students in a STEM-focused program to support their tuition and living expenses.
