South Delta Secondary student Will Shelling was among the recipients in the Horatio Alger Jim Pattison British Columbia Scholarship Program announced last week.
"To be honest, I was really surprised," said the Grade 12 student.
The scholarships are worth $5,000.
Shelling was recently accepted to the University of Toronto. He hopes to study social sciences and major in international relations.
The Horatio Alger Association of Canada, a non-profit educational organization, offers scholarships to full-time high school students who have a critical financial need and have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, as well as strength of character, a good academic record, a commitment to pursue higher education and a desire to contribute to society.
Jim Pattison, a member of the Horatio Alger Association since 2004 and in whose name the B.C. scholarships are awarded, congratulated this year's winners.
"We have an incredible group of scholars this year," Pattison said.
"These young people have worked hard and persevered through difficulty. It is a privilege to be associated with these outstanding young Canadians," Pattison added.
Prunveer Palia, a student at Delview Secondary in North Delta, also received a scholarship.
"This year's scholarship winners are an outstanding group of students who prove that hard work can overcome any obstacle," said Dominic D'Alessandro, president of the Horatio Alger Association of Canada. "It is with great pride that the Association helps these future leaders achieve their academic goals."
