Cambridge Bay student wins prestigious scholarship

This July, Azalea Atienza, a 2010 Kiilinik High School senior, will attend an award-winning intensive program, whose goal is to unleash “the entrepreneurial and innovative potential of exceptional youth.”

The Shad Valley program sends students to 10 universities and colleges across Canada during the month of July.

Atienza competed against 950 other applicants for a place in the program.

The 520 participants in the Shad Valley program must have at least a 90 per cent average at school.

They’re also “well-rounded emerging leaders who demonstrate drive, initiative, creativity and an entrepreneurial flair,” says a news release on Atienza’s selection to the program.

Shad Valley’s program is designed to challenge and motivate participants to “take advantage of their advantage” and make a difference in their lives and careers, says the release.

A key part of the program is a competition, which simulates a business start-up venture and sees students complete patent searches, prepare business plans, and design and build prototypes.