8 Surrey and White Rock students receive leadership awards

Published 4:30 pm Monday, June 22, 2026

Grade 12 students from five different schools have been bestowed with a leadership award.

The South Surrey and White Rock Conservative Association has awarded the 22nd annual Sir John A. Macdonald Leadership Award to eight local secondary school graduates on June 13.

A celebratory ceremony was held at the Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club in South Surrey.

In a release provided by the SSWR Conservative Association, it states that the Sir John A. Macdonald Leadership Award is presented to students in their graduating year who have demonstrated excellence in their studies and outstanding leadership qualities enabling them to confidently assume roles in student government.

“Their ability to work with others in a balanced and mature fashion will allow them to follow their dreams, a journey we hope will be filled with happiness and achievement,” notes the release.

This award was established in 2004 by local conservatives wanting to recognize the achievements of the future leaders in the White Rock and South Surrey community.

“Sir John A. Macdonald built a strong sense of community while successfully negotiating Confederation and assembling practically all the lands of modern Canada,” shared the Conservative Association. “This award was created in his name to help inspire the next generation to pursue their studies and achieve their very best in whatever field of endeavour they might choose.”

Students who receive this award are given a $1000 cash scholarship.

This year’s recipients are:

• Alejandra Alvarado – St. John Paul II Academy

• Cohen Bridger – Earl Marriott Secondary School

• Rebecca Gootgarts – Elgin Park Secondary School

• Corrina Li – White Rock Christian Academy (awarded in absentia)

• Shohei McIntosh – Semiahmoo Secondary School

• Lauren Neustaedter – White Rock Christian Academy (awarded in absentia)

• Philip Potashov – Semiahmoo Secondary School

• Stephanie Yoon – Semiahmoo Secondary School

Learn more about the John A. Macdonald Leadership Award at sswr.ca/2025_sir_john_a_macdonald.