Leading by example

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This article was published 04/05/2021 (1833 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If the present is anything to go by, Chloe Gate and Laine Perring both have bright futures ahead of them.

Gate and Perring are Grade 12 students at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate. Gate is one three BMO Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow scholarship winners, while Perring was named among the finalists in the BMO Leaders of Tomorrow.

The annual initiatives are financial awards offered by the University of Manitoba, and both are given out to exceptional Canadian high school student graduates who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and academic giftedness, according to the university’s website.  

In Gate’s case, she’s has won a scholarship valued at $16,000, which will be allocated over four years of undergraduate study. The St. Vital resident, who is Métis, said she’s thrilled to accept to the scholarship, which will open up new doors of opportunity for her. She’s hopes to initially study science and biology before moving into medicine.

“It’s very exciting,” Gate, 17, told The Lance recently.

“This scholarship means a lot to me. It kind of serves as reassurance that I’m succeeding in what I’m doing and in my life. It hasn’t really sunk in yet, and I think I’m still in shock a little bit.”

“I’ve seen a lot of Indigenous people fall through the cracks in the system, and I’ve been purposely guiding my life to avoid that. This scholarship means everything to me, as its secures my path to go to university now. This will help me succeed in my classes and in other areas of my life, and I plan on becoming involved with the Indigenous student council and the ceremonies that they host, and I’m excited about this new chapter in my life and exploring more that cultural part of my life as a Métis person. I’m just so grateful for this,” she added.

Aside from excelling in the classroom, Gate’s resume includes volunteer roles with the United Way of Winnipeg, as well as serving on the school’s Indigenous student council and its breakfast club, which involved cooking for students before classes started. She’s grateful to the school for supporting her volunteering endeavours, not least Ira Bachynski, who has been a constant support. She also works part-time at Riverside Lions Seniors Residences.

Gate added that she moved to Manitoba from Fort Frances, Ont.,with her mother, Cheri, and her brother, Kaden, in search of new opportunities, and she’s grateful for the support of her family in helping her achieve her goals to date.

Perring, who is also 17, said part of being named among the finalists in the BMO Leaders of Tomorrow meant that she got to attend an orientation day at the University of Manitoba, which is an experience she thoroughly enjoyed.

“It was an amazing experience, and I feel super grateful,” said Perring, who hopes to study political science and go to law school.

“To be recognized for my contributions means a lot to me. And to be able to connect with students and professors at the orientation event was amazing. It was also cool to get some tips and insights for the future.”

The Norwood resident has also been an active and committed volunteer during her high school life, and she’s been involved with the United Way of Winnipeg, the junior achievement team, and the leadership council. Her passions include the environment, and writing and performing on the stage.

Perring has appeared in different shows, including Nelson McIntyre Collegiate’s production of 12. Adapted for the stage by the school’s Student Writers Guild, the December 2018 production was inspired by Reginald Rose’s classic courtroom play 12 Angry Men.

She’s grateful for all the support she’s received in her time at Nelson Mac, which has helped empower her to pursue her goal of moving on to university.

“I’m looking forward to the next steps, and I’m very grateful for the great community at the school, and I’m super grateful for the opportunities it has provided,” she said. “It’s an amazing high school.”