Helping others isn\u2019t just a calling for Adriel Dela Paz, it\u2019s the family business.<\/p>\n
Inspired by family members in the field, including an older brother in Brock\u2019s Nursing program, Dela Paz is driven by a passion for helping others and an admiration for the role nurses play in society.<\/p>\n
\u201cI see nurses as heroes,\u201d said the Denis Morris Catholic High School student. \u201cThey put their lives at risk every day to make their communities healthier and happier.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dela Paz was one of 63 Niagara Principal\u2019s Scholarship recipients celebrated at Brock on Thursday, May 15.<\/p>\n
The $2,500 entrance scholarships are awarded to two graduating students from nearly every public, Catholic and private secondary school in Niagara, recognizing a combination of academic success, school and community involvement, and financial need.<\/p>\n
Held in the Sean O\u2019 Sullivan Theatre, the annual reception brought together more than 120 students, family members, school administrators and guidance counsellors to mark the achievements of the 2025 recipients. Now in its 10th year, the scholarship program has awarded more than $1.6 million since its launch in 2015.<\/p>\n
Dela Paz said receiving the scholarship eased a significant burden for his family.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the cost of so many essentials going up, paying tuition on top of that would have been really stressful for us,\u201d said Dela Paz, who attended the reception with his family. \u201cKnowing my hard work in high school paid off makes me feel thankful and blessed. This scholarship is helping clear my mind as I get ready for this new chapter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dela Paz hopes to one day become a pediatric or travel nurse, and also wants to support future health-care workers in feeling confident and prepared.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat excites me about Brock\u2019s program is the perfect balance between classroom and clinical learning,\u201d he said. \u201cThe opportunity to stay close to home, use the gym and basketball facilities, and keep up with physical exercise to support my mental health also played a big part in my decision.\u201d<\/p>\n
Among the other students honoured was Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School\u2019s Soraya Felice, an incoming Integrated Engineering student whose passion for design and construction began in childhood.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always been fascinated by the art of building, whether that was through Minecraft or inventing toys as a kid,\u201d said Felice. \u201cBrock\u2019s program gives me the chance to embrace the complexity of engineering while combining hands-on learning and small class sizes, which I believe will help foster meaningful connections with professors and peers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Felice also hopes to take advantage of the program\u2019s co-op placements and global learning opportunities, with the goal of studying abroad in Italy and immersing herself in the country\u2019s architectural heritage.<\/p>\n
Thursday\u2019s ceremony included a formal recognition of each student, who received a scholarship certificate and a box filled with Brock gear and resources to help them start strong.<\/p>\n
In addition to the scholarship celebration, the evening also featured Brock\u2019s Niagara Applicant Reception, a drop-in event designed to support students from the region who are considering attending the University this fall.<\/p>\n
Prospective students and their families had the opportunity to connect one-on-one with Brock staff at a variety of booths, explore academic programs, and attend helpful presentations on next steps, course registration, financial aid and the student experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are so excited to welcome these outstanding students to Brock,\u201d said Matt Melnyk, Director, Student Recruitment. \u201cThe Niagara Principal\u2019s Scholarship celebrates their hard work, passion and potential, and we can\u2019t wait to see the incredible things they will achieve on our campus and in the wider community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Recipients of the 2025 Niagara Principal\u2019s Scholarships:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\nAicha Kaba, \u00c9cole Secondaire Franco-Niagara<\/li>\n