Grand Erie Student Receives Prestigious Scholarship from James Hillier Foundation
Nicole McSwain of Paris District High School (PDHS) is this year’s recipient of the James Hillier Foundation scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually to exceptional graduating students. Students must be nominated by their Principal, have demonstrated or indicated an interest in scientific research, have been accepted to a college or university that has an appropriate accredited curriculum, have signified their intentions of pursuing scientific or technological careers, and achieved a graduating average of at least 90%. It provides $20,000 over 4 years towards an undergraduate degree.
“Nicole McSwain is an extremely dedicated and diligent learner who believes that everything in life should have an answer. She sets her sights on a goal and then fastidiously puts a plan in place to achieve that goal” wrote her teachers. McSwain is driven to make the world a better place, one where people can retain their memories and relationships. After the passing of a family member, she has dedicated her time in High School to combatting Alzheimer’s. In grade 11, she completed a research co-op focusing on Alzheimer’s and diet. A literature review with her mentor, Dr. Sarah A. Gagliano Taliun, Assistant Professor in the Departments of Medicine & Neurosciences at the Université de Montreal, is in the process of being published. In addition to this, she also helped with a successful Alzheimer’s Coffee House fundraiser.
McSwain will attend the University of Toronto. She says she is “looking forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead in my future” and is grateful for all the support. McSwain said “I sincerely appreciate all of the guidance and encouragement I have received from my teachers at PDHS”.