St. Mary Catholic Secondary School is proud to recognize an extraordinary achievement. Grade 12 student Ryan Perkins has been selected as a recipient of the Wolf Scholars Program at the University of Toronto, one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in Canada.
Established in 2025, the Wolf Scholars Program is a highly selective, fully funded scholarship that supports a small cohort of approximately 16 exceptional students from across the country each year. The program is offered through the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Arts & Science and is designed to develop Canada’s next generation of thoughtful, innovative leaders.
Recipients of the Wolf Scholarship receive:
- Full tuition funding for four years
- A generous living stipend
- Access to exclusive academic seminars at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
- Leadership development programming and mentorship
- Funded international and domestic learning experiences
- Opportunities for internships with leading organizations
This comprehensive support makes the Wolf Scholars Program far more than a financial award. It is a transformational educational experience that empowers students to explore big ideas, engage deeply with global challenges, and develop the skills needed to lead with purpose and impact.
Selection for this program is exceptionally competitive. Scholars are chosen not only for their academic excellence, but also for their demonstrated curiosity, leadership, character, and commitment to making a meaningful difference beyond the classroom.
Ryan Perkins exemplifies each of these qualities. At St. Mary, Ryan has achieved an outstanding 99% overall average, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence. Beyond the classroom, he has distinguished himself as a dynamic and dedicated student leader. Ryan is an active participant in school athletics, competing on both the volleyball and badminton teams, while also giving back as an assistant coach and tournament official.
Ryan’s leadership extends into our Robotics program, where he plays a vital role in programming, strategy, and presentations, and contributes to regional competitions through various volunteer roles. He has also served as President of DECA, represents his region in Model Parliament, and is actively involved in youth development initiatives.
His achievements outside of school further highlight his discipline and drive. Ryan has earned a Level 8 Royal Conservatory of Music piano certification and holds a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo. Demonstrating a commitment to global citizenship, he also spent a month in China teaching English to elementary and middle school students.
Ryan’s accomplishments reflect a rare combination of intellectual curiosity, leadership, service, and global awareness, the very attributes the Wolf Scholars Program seeks to nurture in its recipients.
Ryan plans to study computer science, with an interest in how AI and machine-learning can be used in fields of biology and computing. He is excited to see how AI develops and be able to apply it to different industries effectively and sustainably.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ryan on this remarkable and well-deserved honour. He truly embodies what it means to be a well-rounded student leader, and we look forward to seeing the impact he will continue to make in the years ahead.
