Oshawa’s Ontario Tech awards $57,000 in annual scholarships to seven outstanding new students

A Courtice student who founded a robotics and sports program in high school and a Kenyan woman with leadership in her blood and forensics in her future are among seven outstanding incoming students awarded Ontario Tech’s most prestigious entrance scholarships.

The scholarship program at the Oshawa university recognizes secondary school students with exceptional achievements in academics, leadership and community involvement throughout their high school career.

Chancellor’s Scholarship: One valued at $36,000 ($9,000 x four years)

Isaac Smith (Software Engineering and Co-op) of Courtice is looking forward to experiencing campus life and hopes to get involved with the many clubs and societies offered at Ontario Tech. He enjoys the process of seeing an idea come to life and leading a team: something he experienced first-hand when he founded a program called Brain ‘n Body that utilized robotics and sports to prepare youth for high school. With a passion for travel and interest in tech, Smith is hoping to one day start a tech company of his own where he can visit as many different countries as possible and implement the incredible benefits of tech to benefit businesses and communities.

President’s Scholarship: Two valued at $30,000 each ($7,500 x four years

Oscar Langhorst (Nuclear Engineering and Co-op) of Brooklin says this award signifies all the hard work he put into academics, extracurriculars and community involvement in high school. Graduating at the top of his class, he was awarded the Governor General’s Medal. Additionally, he held lead roles in both his high school’s DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America) program and Model United Nations teams. Oscar is looking forward to a bright future.

Noah Ng (Medical Laboratory Science) of Mount Albert says he chose Ontario Tech because of the unique programs available and the focus on student wellness, diversity and inclusion on campus. This award will give him the freedom to focus on his schoolwork and accomplish his goals while at Ontario Tech. Ng has plans to contribute to the campus community by starting some new programs and clubs.

Founder’s Scholarship: Two valued at $24,000 each ($6,000 x four years)

Adra Barnet (Health Physics and Radiation Science) of Winnipeg was drawn to the close-knit community feel of Ontario Tech’s campus and is looking forward to making this her second home. Receiving the Founder’s Scholarship will allow Barnet to focus solely on pursuing her passion for helping others. Recognized as a Scholar Athlete by Manitoba’s Lieutenant Governor, Barnet also contributed more than 600 volunteer hours through high school. She brings the drive, self-discipline and leadership skills developed through her passion for sport to her academics and it has enabled her to pursue her dreams and shape the person she is today.

Gabriella Chiappetta (Mechanical Engineering and Co-op) of Scarborough is excited to make close friends with her classmates. This award will have a significant impact on Gabriella’s university experience, giving her more freedom to pursue her interests, get involved on campus and focus on her studies. Extra time put into her education will allow her to better understand the material and lead to success in her future engineering career. Chiapetta has a well-rounded variety of extracurricular interests: she’s an accomplished athlete, musical theatre performer and has developed engaging programming for summer camps. She also has a love for the outdoors and adventures and has never been one to shy away from a hike in the forest or a swim in the lake.

FIRST Robotics Canada Scholarship: One valued at $12,000 ($3,000 x four years)

Leah Kelly (Mechatronics Engineering and Co-op) from Kingston is an active member of the FIRST Robotics program. She has developed a wide range of impressive skills and has contributed to the success of the program since 2019.

Global Leadership Award: One valued at $72,000 ($18,000 x four years)

Tamutenda Makoni (Forensic Science) from Nairobi, Kenya is an accomplished leader in programs such as the East African Model United Nations, environment club and student leadership. She is organized and decisive in her leadership, but values empathy while learning from and supporting others. Makoni plans to continue developing her skills while furthering her academic pursuits and hopes to be able to make a significant contribution to society in the future.