Harbour Grace student recognised as a leader among her peers

By Mark Squibb / July 21, 2023

Serena Squires of Harbour Grace has been named a recipient of the provincial government’s Safe, Caring and Inclusive Graduating Student Leadership Bursary.

“I knew that a lot of people had applied for this scholarship, and so I certainly was not expecting to win,” said Squires, who just this spring graduated from Carbonear Collegiate. “I could not believe it; I was in complete shock. But it was such a rewarding feeling as well.”

In Grade 10, Squires became a member of the school’s Tutoring for Tuition program, which sees students tutor other students. For doing that work, they earn a tuition voucher towards post-secondary education.

“I tutored students in practically all subject areas — math, science, English — and I would tutor individuals or small groups of students,” she explained.

Squires was also a part of the school’s peer mentoring program.

“It’s a one-on-one support system with younger students in our school,” said Squires, who noted many students entering Grade 9 have trouble adjusting to their new school, especially having spent so many of their junior high school years in front of screens at home because of the pandemic. “We were just there as a support system, and I’ve seen many, many children avail of and benefit from this program.”

Squires said several people have helped her out over the years, and that by volunteering with different clubs she’s able to return the favour to the school community that has given her so much.

“Volunteering is rewarding, and it benefits the whole school community,” said Squires. “The more people who are there helping out the better the school will become.

Squires has been accepted into the Centre for Nursing Studies where she will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing this coming fall.

She is one of 15 students from across the province to be named a recipient of the bursary and will receive $500 towards her future studies.