SHAD program brings students to Thunder Bay

Sydney Van De Wiel has never been to Thunder Bay.

She lives in St. John’s, N.L., but this summer the 17-year-old will spend a month at Lakehead University.

Van De Wiel is one of 65 high school students participating in SHAD. This year’s group is coming from Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

“I hope to gain a strong network of passionate and creative youth to support me in future endeavours,” Van De Wiel said.

Students will live in Lakehead University’s residence from July 5 to 31. They will attend lectures and participate in workshops given by Lakehead faculty on the Thunder Bay campus.

“SHAD is an exciting experience for students. It brings out the best in young people,” said Dr. Sultan Siddiqui, Mechanical Engineering Professor and Director of SHAD Lakehead.

“Centred on science, technology, engineering and math, SHAD empowers exceptional youth to make the world a better place,” said Barry Bisson, SHAD President.

“SHAD is where Canada’s top youth achievers are exposed to great ideas, inspired to look at things differently, and challenged to reach for the highest levels of excellence,” Bisson said.

“Students are encouraged to embrace their Uncommon Purpose – the pursuit of their own potential to change the world,” he said.
Van De Wiel hopes to see the sights that make Thunder Bay a great place to live. “I believe SHAD will help develop my leadership skills as well as my confidence,” she said.

The program is for students currently completing grade 10, 11 or 12, Quebec secondaire IV, V or CEGEP I, or the international equivalent. For more information, please visit www.shad.ca.