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Top of the Class

BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW [email protected] Two great kids were honoured yesterday at Laurentian University. Erica Robinson and Sean Sullivan have each won $5,000 to pay for their education at Laurentian University this year.
BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW

Two great kids were honoured yesterday at Laurentian University.

Erica Robinson and Sean Sullivan have each won $5,000 to pay for their education at Laurentian University this year. The scholarships are renewable for four years.
Erica Robinson and Sean Sullivan have each won $5,000 to pay for their university education this year. The National Dean?s Scholarship for Excellence is renewable for four years.

To qualify, the students had to have a minimum 90 per cent average on their six best U/M courses, demonstrate leadership within their school and community, and be nominated by their secondary school principal.

These two extraordinary students went above and beyond what is typically asked of high school students to capture the prestigious awards. They got involved in initiatives that made a difference in their respective schools and the community.

?It?s a great opportunity and a great thing to happen,? said Sullivan, 20. ?A few years ago my family had a death when my brother died. It was a bad thing and then for this to happen a few years later is a very good thing for us.?

Sullivan graduated from St. Charles College. He trained in alternate dispute resolution and conflict management, and served as a peer mediator. Sullivan also sat on the student council, was on the Reach Team, played in the junior band, and was an active in the Amnesty International and graduating committees. Sullivan was also a member of the drama club, where he won best supporting actor in 2001, and best actor in 2002. Sullivan has also
performed in Theatre Cambrian. He has also had poetry published in Northern Lights 34.

He?s currently studying psychology.

Sullivan was overwhelmed with being awarded the scholarship.

?It?s unbelievable,? said Sullivan. ?I was shocked when they called me. I didn?t expect it all. It?s nice to be recognized.?

The scholarship will make a big difference in Sullivan?s life.

?I have already saved money for school, but I intend to go on after my bachelor?s degree,? said Sullivan.

?This award allows me to put the money toward further education.

He hopes to eventually go on to medical school or become a psychologist.

Robinson, 18, is also proud to have won a National Dean?s Scholarship.

?It?s really nice and kind of interesting,? said Robinson. ?When I would do stuff in my high school, I didn?t think about winning something like this award.?

Robinson graduated from Lasalle Secondary where she was active in music, drama and athletics programs. She was an executive member of the music and student?s council, and a member of the award-winning Lancer improvisation team. Robinson also volunteered for the Women in Science and Engineering Olympics.

She was selected to attend the Ontario Education Leadership Centre for drama and won several awards in photography, drama, physics and music. She also helped raise money to build a medical clinic in El Salvador.

Robinson, who is studying English, said she likes getting involved and helping out whenever she can.

?I was proud to help raise money for the medical clinic in El Salvador. It was interesting because you can actually
make a difference,? she said.

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