NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
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The Niagara Catholic District School Board is proud to announce that Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School student Katja Murray will receive a $100,000 Schulich Leaders Scholarship from the Schulich Foundation towards her post-secondary education. Katja will study engineering at at Western University beginning in September. She was one of 100 Canadian students selected to receive the prestigious award, which is given to students who will study Science, Technology, Math or Engineering (STEM).
Three Niagara Catholic students have received Schulich Leaders Scholarships since it was created 2012, including Saint Paul Catholic High School alumnus, Anthony Galassi, who received it last year. Katja was involved in several clubs and activities during her time at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, including the Mathletes and Reach for the Top teams, as well as the Chess Club. She regularly participated in the Waterloo Math Contest, and is also a member of the school’s hockey and swim teams.
She was an eager participant of the Annual Pilgrimage, and accumulated more than 100 Christian Community Service volunteer hours while maintaining a 96 per cent overall average. Outside of school, Katja leads summer Bible camps, mentors younger teens, and coaches girls soccer. With an average of 98 percent in Grade 12, she had the top mark of any graduate and is the 2020 Salutatorian.
“On behalf of Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School, I am incredibly proud of Katja for receiving this prestigious scholarship,” said Principal Andrew Boon. “I have been fortunate to witness her incredible talents and accomplishments. Her remarkable academic achievement is equally matched with her sense of kindness and care to everyone in our community.” Chair of the Board Frank Fera offered the Board’s congratulations to Katja. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am very proud to congratulate both Katja on receiving this very prestigious scholarship,” said Mr. Fera.
“Reading through the rigorous criteria for selection, it is clear that she is an outstanding example of student leadership and excellence, and well- deserving of this award. We wish Katja the very best as she graduates from Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School and moves on to her next journey as a future engineer at Western.” Director of Education John Crocco also offered congratulations to Katja on behalf of Niagara Catholic’s students and staff.
“Niagara Catholic students are among the very best in Ontario and in the world, and having two students from Niagara Catholic receive one of Canada’s top scholarships in as many years is certainly proof of that,” said Mr. Crocco.
“I was exceptionally happy to hear of Katja’s outstanding success. She represents Niagara Catholic’s outstanding Class of 2020 – students who have had to adapt quickly to a foundational change in their education. “Engineering is one of the most expensive post-secondary degrees to complete, and, through the generosity of the Schulich Foundation, Katja will be able to focus her energy on her studies throughout her undergraduate education. She worked so very hard throughout her career at Holy Cross Catholic, and earned this scholarship through contributions to her school and community.
On behalf of the Niagara Catholic District School Board’s students and staff, and I very pleased and proud to congratulate Katja on being selected for this very prestigious award. We wish her God’s blessings as she embarks on an exciting new chapter in her life."
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