A.B. Lucas S.S.

This is one in a series of profiles recognizing the countless stories of student success across Thames Valley. One graduate will be featured each day for the remainder of the school year.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012 – A.B. Lucas Secondary School graduate Grace Wang plans to carry on two long-held family traditions after high school – medicine and community service – but her future is otherwise wide open.

Coming from a family of doctors, Grace says the decision to study biological and medical science at university came naturally. “Growing up in an environment where my grandparents and parents are doctors has fostered a certain way of thinking.

“Ultimately, if I do become a doctor, I definitely want to take those medical skills outside of the hospital and outside of the developed country that I’ll be working in,” Grace says.

While she has shared her energy and talents with a number of organizations, Grace’s primary high school volunteer experience has been with the Canadian Red Cross. She co-chairs the London Red Cross youth group and her contributions were recently recognized in a volunteer photo exhibit at Queen’s Park.

“Volunteering is just an amazing experience for people my age. Seeing the people that I help during my volunteering and knowing that my efforts have helped a country or area recover [from an emergency] makes me feel really good on the inside.” This summer, Grace will be going to China to visit family and will seek out an orphanage where she can volunteer.

In September, she will return to London to attend Western University with a prestigious $60,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. Grace is one of 40 Canadian students chosen to receive the scholarship for undergraduate study at one of 20 universities. Each university can select two recipients; Grace was offered this scholarship to both Western and McGill universities.

While bio-med science is sure to be a demanding program, Grace is committed to volunteering while studying. She will continue her work with the Red Cross and she is on the London District Science and Technology Fair Committee that organizes the annual science fair at which she has won awards.

Grace’s accomplishments are not limited to London. Last year she placed fourth at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles – the world’s largest pre-college science fair competition.

Grace challenges other students to keep their minds open to opportunities and challenges. “When I first went into Grade 9, I remember high school was so big and I didn’t know where to get started. I looked into volunteer opportunities to expand my horizons.

“You can start somewhere and push yourself out of your comfort zone. I feel it really helps you to discover what your own passions are. Being humble and modest is important, as well. Just step up and get involved!”

For More Information:

Julie Maltby, Public Affairs Officer
Thames Valley District School Board, 1250 Dundas Street E. London N6A 5L1
519-452-2000  ext. 20210   Cell: 226-268-6560 j.maltby@tvdsb.on.ca

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