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| Kate Pundyk |
This fall, eight Grade 11 students are headed off to campuses in Hong Kong, Italy, Norway, the United States and Victoria, B.C., after receiving prestigious Grant MacEwan United World College Scholarships. Valued at $80,000, they are the single largest scholarships the Alberta government offers. They cover two years of tuition and accommodation, allowing students to complete an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma at one of 14 United World Colleges.
An opportunity too good to pass up
One of those students is Kate Pundyk, a 16-year-old from Crowsnest Consolidated High School in Coleman. Kate learned about the award from her older sister, Elise, who was researching scholarships on the Alberta Learning Information Service website. Kate felt the opportunity was too good to pass up, and after applying, was thrilled to learn she’d be attending the Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong.
The student council president and long-time ballet dancer believes the scholarship brings her closer to her goal of helping countries to end poverty. After she graduates, Kate plans to study economics with the intention of working for the United Nations or a non-governmental organization. Kate says she gained first-hand knowledge of economic development work while participating in the Seminar on the United Nations and International Relations near Nordegg last summer.
Alumni includes Canadian astronaut
The United World College international organization has a network of over 40,000 graduates including Canadian astronaut Julie Payette.
The scholarships in Alberta are named in honour of former Calgary mayor, MLA and Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta, Dr. John Walter Grant MacEwan. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, leadership, volunteerism and citizenship.
This year’s recipients come from Calgary, Coleman, Olds, Red Deer and Sherwood Park.
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