Recognizing leaders of the future

The Conexus Youth Leadership Award recognizes graduating high school students across the province who are trying to make their corner of the world a better place. Now, more than ever, leadership matters. This is why we support young people that show leadership promise at an early age. This year, we will be awarding seven deserving student members graduating in Saskatchewan with a $1,000 cash prize and $1,000 deposited into a Conexus term account, which can be withdrawn after one year of opening the account. In addition, each winner will be paired with one of Conexus’ Emerging Leaders team for a 45-minute virtual mentoring session to discuss future goals and achieving financial well-being.

Meet our 2023 Youth Leadership Award Winners

Heather Priestley - North

After graduation I will be attending the University of Saskatchewan through the College of Kinesiology. After finishing the four year Kinesiology degree I  then plan to go on into the two year Masters of Physical Therapy program. This scholarship money will go towards supporting my long term academic goal of studying to become a Physical Therapist. Ultimately I hope to come back and work as a Physical Therapist in my home community and surrounding area.

Michael Burechailo - North

My goal after graduation is to attend the University of Regina for a bachelor's degree in business and kinesiology. After I obtain the dual degree, I plan to either open my own business or work with professional sports teams on the business side of things. I also plan to play hockey while I'm attending school. The prize money will support me with the cost of tuition and living expenses. It will help me achieve financial freedom while at school and drive me to achieve my goal after university. 

Katherine Possberg – North

Following my high school graduation I will be attending the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan. I plan to become a veterinarian through my education and this scholarship will allow me to finance the many years of post-secondary education this will take. I will continue to give back to the community after high school by volunteering for the 4-H program and being an advocate for agriculture.

Zunaira Siddiqi - Central

In the fall, I will be attending the University of Regina to pursue a degree in Human Kinetics along with a diploma in International Studies. Following my undergraduate degree, I intend to go to medical school to become a pediatric surgeon with a subspecialty in the NICU. In addition to working as a pediatric surgeon, I would like to expand my charity work. I hope to create my own charity in the future that will help provide free medical assistance to those in need. This scholarship will help me get closer to achieving my dreams by helping me fund my post-secondary education.

Madison Pettem-Mark - North

I was accepted into Arts and Science at the University of Saskatchewan (Prince Albert Campus). I plan to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I want to make a positive impact on several people’s lives. This scholarship money will help towards my tuition for my first year.

Jenaya Kostron - Central

I have been accepted to the University of Regina’s faculty of Education. Beginning in the fall, I will work towards a dual degree in Education and Psychology as well as a certificate in Inclusive Education. This scholarship will assist me in my journey of becoming a middle years teacher.

Josie Lockert - Central

Following graduation I will be heading to the University of Saskatchewan to study psychology. The prize money will greatly help me pay for tuition and make my goals more attainable.

How to apply:

It's easy!

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Gather a letter of support from one community leader (a teacher, counselor, religious leader, someone you volunteer with)

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Include a copy of your post-secondary confirmation of enrollment letter

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Complete the online award application and attach the documents listed above

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2023 Youth Leadership Award applications are closed for the year

To be eligible:

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You or your parent or guardian are a Conexus member and have been for at least one year, with all accounts in good standing

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You must be graduating from a Saskatchewan high school in the current academic year

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You must complete all areas of the application and provide all supporting documents