Eight Surrey and White Rock students receive $45K scholarships from Cmolik Foundation

Surrey Schools is proud to share that eight students in the district are each receiving $45,000 scholarships from the Cmolik Foundation for their post-secondary education.

Students from Earl Marriott, Enver Creek, Frank Hurt, Johnston Heights, L.A. Matheson, École Panorama Ridge, École Salish and Sullivan Heights secondary schools are the latest scholarship winners, recognized for their academic achievements, work ethic, philanthropy and ability to overcome adversity.

This year’s Cmolik scholarship recipients are:

Melissa Christianson, Earl Marriott Secondary

With a deep sense of care and an interest in helping others, Christianson plans to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing at Vancouver Island University.

“Melissa understands the value of giving back to her community, which is shown through her role as a student coach, as well as her volunteer work in her local community,” said counsellor Ashleigh McNeill. “This clearly demonstrates her leadership abilities as well as her ability to work with others in a cooperative environment. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with such a conscientious, self-aware, mature and motivated individual.”

Amrit Mahli, Enver Creek Secondary

Mahli has several academic steps for her future: she hopes to attend SFU and major in philosophy, attain a bachelor of arts, then take the LSAT and go to a Canadian law school to eventually specialize in family law.

“I fully believe Amrit will have no trouble thriving in a post-secondary environment as I have seen the dedication she puts into her studies, extracurriculars and job,” said Mahli’s teacher, Jaspreet Takhar. “She has the integrity and confidence to succeed in whatever she does. Amrit sees the intrinsic value of education, learning and curiosity. I know Amrit can succeed in post-secondary because she’s imaginative and curious, she doesn’t see problems, she sees challenges to solve and solve them she does.”

Diya Khangura, Frank Hurt Secondary

With the goal of becoming a homicide detective, Diya Khangura intends to study criminology at SFU or sociology at UBC as she pursues a master’s in criminology. She would like to eventually become a police officer and work her way up the ranks to detective.

“Diya has shown consistent and outstanding intelligence, advocacy, empathy, and leadership, all of which has created meaningful impacts in her and others’ lives,” said social studies teacher Melanie Scheuer. “Diya is an exceptional student and young adult who is inquisitive, creative, and compassionate. She works hard and applies herself wholeheartedly to all she does from academics to community involvement.”

Krishna Verma, Johnston Heights Secondary

Always interested in helping those in need, Verma has applied to UBC and SFU with the hopes of becoming a general physician.

“I see Krishna as a driving force amongst a group of very high achievers,” said teacher Joshua Filiatrault. “Krishna is the initiating force, the catalyst that accelerates the reactions causing changes that I am sure go unrecognized to the casual passerby. Everywhere I look at Johnston Heights Secondary, I see the fingerprints of Krishna. Honestly, I cannot vouch for a student with more intensity. I am confident that Krishna will utilize every ounce of opportunity to further the development of his genuine drive to help others.”

Preet Bains, L.A. Matheson Secondary

Intent on making a positive impact and creating solutions to real world challenges, Bains plans to attend SFU to pursue a degree in mechatronics engineering. He notes the scholarship will play a critical role in achieving his long-term goals and provide some financial relief for his family.

“Preet Bains possesses a rare combination of strong intellect, untiring work ethic, kindness and social conscience,” said Stefan Stipp, former principal at L.A. Matheson. “He is not just an outstanding student, but also a fine human being. I cannot imagine a student more deserving of the Cmolik Foundation Scholarship.”

Rafay Meer, École Panorama Ridge Secondary

Meer is heading to the University of Alberta, where he will complete a four-year bachelor of science honours program with a major in physiology before applying to medical school to become a physician.

“Rafay is very conscientious, reliable and courteous,” said counsellor Eileen Mumford. “He always demonstrates his love of learning and his passion for helping others. Academically, Rafay goes above and beyond in his classes. His work habits and his attendance record are stellar. Rafay is extraordinary and inspires his peers with his optimistic personality.”

Raamin Hamid, École Salish Secondary

As an aspiring journalist who’s intrigued by global affairs, politics and individuality, Hamid said she is best suited for a bachelor of arts with a major in political science from UVic. She hopes to become a travelling broadcaster within the next decade.

“Raamin consistently strives for excellence, putting tremendous effort, energy and care into her schoolwork,” said teacher Jeremy Third. “She reliably created novel and thoughtful projects in my class. Regardless of the assignment, Raamin’s attention to detail and level of care never wavered. Raamin also demonstrates maturity. She is responsible, kind, and inclusive. Indeed, I’ve had few students who have participated with such grace and dedication.”

Rohan Gill, Sullivan Heights Secondary

In addition to his hard work and commitment to his studies, Gill impressed the selection committee with his academic goals and career aspirations of pursuing a bachelor of engineering with a specialization in civil engineering from either UBC or UVic.

“I have been a firsthand witness to his outstanding work ethic, academic performance and personal character,” said English teacher Kate Henderson. “Furthermore, he is a highly proficient student whose academic strengths include meticulously analyzing texts and effectively expressing his ideas with others. Moreover, during the actual discussions, he expressed his ideas with ease and a level of eloquence that surpassed many of his peers; he effectively shared his ideas and thoughts while also consciously and graciously made space in the discussion for other students.”

Congratulations to all of our 2023 Cmolik Foundation scholarship recipients!