David Kim surprised with Hellmuth full scholarship

It was all smiles with some added excitement for his future for David Kim on Wednesday, February 7. 

The Grade 12 Leamington District Secondary School (LDSS) student was surprised by representatives from Huron University at Western with a prestigious Hellmuth full scholarship — one of only 10 scholarships given nationally.

“We know David is going to do great things,” said Nicki Gleason, computer science teacher, just prior to David being called to the office from class to be given the award.

According to his teacher Lisa Jeffery, David was kept in the dark about the award, but his classmates in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program all knew and carefully followed behind him to witness the presentation and his surprise. He was awarded the scholarship in front of the main office with his fellow classmates and teachers looking on. 

Representatives from Huron were on hand, as well as his parents MJay and Soo Kim.

“We have approximately 100 students who apply each year and we award 10 Canadian students,” said Huron recruiter Linea Strong-Dacosta of the selection process. “We are not only looking at academic achievement,” she said, “but a student who is a positive role model and involved in their community.”

“We are really impressed with the difference you have made in the community and school, so we wanted to congratulate you personally,” said Ben Bryan, of the Huron Recruitment team, handing Kim an official Huron tie to welcome him into his future in his business studies.

“Part of the Hellmuth scholarship is that you get your top pick for residence room too,” added Strong-Dacosta.

A very happy, humble Kim said he felt overwhelmed and excited by the surprise and was looking forward to visiting the school again. 

Kim’s father said he and his mother were happy for their son and honoured that he has chosen to follow his own career path of business. 

“You can probably tell that David is loved at this school,” Jeffery said to the Huron recruitment team. “Everyone knows him.”

“I was with David when he delivered a financial literacy workshop for a local youth organization. I was just kind of his sidekick and it was so funny because one of the kids came in and said, I am just here for whatever David Kim is doing,” she laughed. “Where he leads, they will follow.”

“When I started getting involved in the community, I started to realize there is a lot of help you can do to make an impact,” said David, who is also involved with the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee.

“We are very proud of David here at Leamington,” said Vice Principal Dan Grey. “He is the Prime Minister of the school and one of our biggest school leaders, who puts other students first. I think humble is a great word for him because he has accomplished so much, and you wouldn’t know it because he is so humble.” 

David is involved in volunteering at The Bridge Youth Resource Centre and is also an advocate for youth poverty and mental well-being. 

The Hellmuth Scholarship is awarded to an incoming student with a mid-year average of 90% or higher (as calculated by Huron) and an exceptional record of extracurricular and community involvement, as well as a demonstrated passion for student life through community leadership, volunteer service, passion for arts, athletics, etc. Huron is the founding institution of Western University in London Ontario, one of Canada’s oldest universities and was established in 1863.