The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board is proud to recognize two Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School graduates whose exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and perseverance have earned them prestigious scholarship recognition.
Kevin Peluchon-de la Garza has been named a recipient of the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship, one of Canada's most sought-after undergraduate STEM scholarships. Awarded annually to just 100 students across the country, the scholarship recognizes exceptional achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as entrepreneurial leadership and future potential.
Kevin's selection continues a strong tradition of excellence at Bishop Tonnos, marking the school's third Schulich Leader Scholarship recipient in the past seven years and its second consecutive winner. Holly DeStephanis, Guidance Counsellor at Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School, noted that the achievement is also a testament to the strength of the school's Mathematics, Science, and Technology programs, which continue to foster student success in STEM disciplines.
Throughout his secondary school career, Kevin distinguished himself through academic excellence, leadership, and innovation. He participated in coding, robotics, and mathematics competitions, served on Prefect Council, volunteered within the community, and gained valuable industry experience through opportunities with Apple and RBC. DeStephanis noted that Kevin's internship with RBC stood out during the scholarship application process, as he played a meaningful role in the development of an app and demonstrated a level of initiative and engagement beyond that of a typical student applicant.
Kevin's passion for STEM began at a young age while building with Lego and evolved into coding, engineering projects, and leadership opportunities at school. He recently designed a laboratory bench power supply from an old computer and led the school's robotics club, experiences that further strengthened his interest in engineering and technology.
"This scholarship will significantly help me by giving me the financial support needed to pursue a STEM degree," said Kevin. "STEM is inherently an expensive thing to be interested in, so having a scholarship such as the Schulich Leader Scholarship will significantly mitigate the impact of university on me and my family's finances."
Reflecting on the moment he learned he had been selected, Kevin described the experience as surreal.
"I had to pinch myself first," he said. "It was a surreal moment where I was overwhelmed with an intense gratefulness towards my family, teachers, and mentors who have been able to guide me throughout high school."
Kevin's accomplishments have also been recognized through several major awards, including the Governor General's Academic Medal, the Paul Lesard Memorial Award, and the Physics Subject Award. This fall, he will attend McMaster University to study Engineering.
Also being celebrated is Oluwalani (Lani) Adedeji, who was recognized as a Loran Provincial Award recipient and awarded a significant scholarship to attend the University of Notre Dame. Lani's achievement marks a historic milestone for Bishop Tonnos, as he is the first student from the school to advance in the prestigious Loran Scholarship selection process.
A dedicated student leader, Lani spent his final year actively contributing to school life while seeking opportunities to grow academically, personally, and as a leader. DeStephanis noted that Lani's recognition reflects not only his academic accomplishments, but also his resilience, determination, and commitment to personal growth. She credited him for embracing opportunities to develop as a leader and dedicating his final year to serving the Bishop Tonnos community.
"The award has given me a big confidence boost as I head to university," said Lani. "Knowing that an organization like the Loran Scholars Foundation believes in my potential makes me want to work even harder on my journey to becoming a doctor."
As he prepares to begin his post-secondary studies, Lani says the award will help reduce the financial burden of university while providing encouragement and motivation to continue striving toward his goals.
"I hope to do my family and the people who selected me for this award proud," he said. "Being selected has given me the confidence to keep reaching for greater heights as I start my pre-med journey."
Reflecting on the moment he learned he had been selected, Lani recalled receiving a phone call from a representative of the Foundation while sitting in his first-period healthcare class.
"When the call came, I was pleasantly surprised," he said. "My mind went to everyone that helped me reach that point. My mom, my teachers, my guidance counselor, school administration, Dr. Alausa and everyone at the Chafford 100 Medical Center, and Sergio, my youth pastor. I am so thankful for every single one of them."
Lani said the award has strengthened his commitment to pursuing a career in medicine focused on leadership and service.
"This award reminds me of why I want to go into medicine in the first place," he said. "I want to focus on leadership and become a physician who is dedicated to serving patients and giving back to the community."
"We are so proud of both of these young men and continue to celebrate and promote excellence in academics, co-curricular involvement, and personal growth at Bishop Tonnos," said DeStephanis.
Together, Kevin and Lani exemplify the academic excellence, leadership, resilience, and commitment to personal growth that Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School strives to nurture in every student. By developing their God-given talents and using them to make a positive impact within their school and community, they reflect the values at the heart of Catholic education.
The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board congratulates Kevin and Lani on their outstanding accomplishments and wishes them every success as they begin the next chapter of their educational journeys.
Learn more at Schulich Leader Scholarships
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