8 Surrey and White Rock students receive leadership awards<\/p>\n
Published 4:30 pm Monday, June 22, 2026<\/p>\n
Grade 12 students from five different schools have been bestowed with a leadership award.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
A celebratory ceremony was held at the Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club in South Surrey.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir 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,\u201d notes the release.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cSir John A. Macdonald built a strong sense of community while successfully negotiating Confederation and assembling practically all the lands of modern Canada,\u201d shared the Conservative Association. \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Students who receive this award are given a $1000 cash scholarship.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s recipients are:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Alejandra Alvarado \u2013 St. John Paul II Academy<\/p>\n
\u2022 Cohen Bridger \u2013 Earl Marriott Secondary School<\/p>\n
\u2022 Rebecca Gootgarts \u2013 Elgin Park Secondary School<\/p>\n
\u2022 Corrina Li \u2013 White Rock Christian Academy (awarded in absentia)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Shohei McIntosh \u2013 Semiahmoo Secondary School<\/p>\n
\u2022 Lauren Neustaedter \u2013 White Rock Christian Academy (awarded in absentia)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Philip Potashov \u2013 Semiahmoo Secondary School<\/p>\n
\u2022 Stephanie Yoon \u2013 Semiahmoo Secondary School<\/p>\n