Hard work and academic success often go hand in hand. In the case of Jay Mark Cortez, a grade 12 student from St. Brieux School, that success can translate to university funding.

Cortez is the recipient of the Peter Lewochko Bursary awarded by the University of Saskatchewan for students entering first-year study. He has been admitted to the College of Engineering with an intent to study chemical engineering.

At a time when university tuitions are going up, Cortez was delighted to learn that the bursary provides him with a potential total of $44,800 over four years. The award is renewable at $11,200 each year which would largely cover tuition and books through the undergraduate program.

Cortez is grateful for the award given that it takes the financial sting out of the post-secondary stream. He explains, "I was worried about where I was going to get tuition and about student loans, and now after winning it, I just have less to worry about. My dad doesn't have to worry about my tuition."

The award takes into account financial need, but it also requires a demonstration of a solid academic background, something that Cortez is proud to have achieved. "Through high school, I've maintained over a 90 percent average, and I've always tried to go for my best and to reach for better."

When it comes to the pursuit of awards, Cortez also has some message for his high school counterparts, "Don't ignore scholarships. Take time to apply for them, and you never know. You might be one of the students who wins them." He was alerted to the award and others like it by his career and post-secondary advisor, Brent Loehr. Loehr is one of four such advisors who support students throughout the Horizon School Division.

Cortez was fortunate in getting a head start on his university career. During the 2018-2019 school year, he was the recipient of a St. Peter's Accelerated Scholarship which allows the brightest of Horizon Division students the opportunity to take a single class at no cost. While he found the experience challenging, he successfully concluded his university class during his grade 12 year. 

He reflects, "I learned what university life would be like by being an accelerated student at St. Peter's. I took a commerce class which was mandatory in my engineering program. Since I already took it, now I have one less class for my first semester in the fall."

Cortez gratefully acknowledges the support of his school, his advisor, and his family and friends. At the end of his high school, Cortez's commitment and positive attitude, along with the support, has paved the way to a new academic chapter.