Endowment Society Projects
is pleased to announce the 2024-25
Dual Excellence Teenage Superstars!
FIRST PLACE: Serena Jiang
DISCIPLINES: Speech Arts and Fencing
From a young age, I developed an interest in speech arts as a personal challenge to improve myself. Being naturally more reserved, I often received feedback from my teachers to be braver, to speak up more, and to make my voice heard. This encouragement sparked my desire to enroll in speech arts lessons, where I set my sights on becoming a confident and skilled performer capable of delivering speeches with elegance and poise.
The journey wasn’t easy at first. Speaking in front of others felt nerve-wracking, and I often found myself battling my own anxieties. However, with dedication, consistent practice, and a commitment to self-improvement, I began to make steady progress. Over time, I enhanced my pronunciation, fluency, tone variation, and vocal dynamics, learning how to bring more life and expression to my performances.
In addition to my passion for speech arts, I am also a dedicated and accomplished epee fencer. I started fencing at a young age. Through countless hours of trainings, I have steadily developed both mental and physical skills necessary for success in this demanding sport. Fencing has taken me across North America, where I frequently compete, gaining valuable experience while honing my determination, focus, and discipline as an athlete.
Over the years, I have achieved notable successes in regional and national competitions, showcasing my skill and passion for the sport. Most recently, I became the 2024 Canadian National Champion in U15 Women’s Epee, winning gold medal at the National Championship – one of my proudest accomplishments to date. Looking ahead, I aspire to compete at the national level and ultimately represent Canada on the international stage.
Securing this award would be instrumental in enabling me to take me to the next level in both speech arts and fencing. Beyond the tangible benefits of financial support, receiving this award would serve as an affirmation of my talent, dedication, and potential. It would not only provide me with the resources I need to succeed but also serve as a source of motivation and encouragement to continue pushing myself to new heights. Thank you for considering my application.
SECOND PLACE: Curtis Fok
DISCLIPLINES: Cello and Basketball
I began playing the cello at the age of 7 where I joined the Hong Kong Children’s Symphony at a young age and won multiple awards in my native country. I am currently a member of the Amici Strings program and the Calgary Youth Orchestra. I also sit as principal in my school orchestra. As a musician, my focus lies in the musicality and interpretation of solo as well as ensemble playing. In the PVA Strings program, I take a leadership role in creating a productive environment.
Other than orchestral and solo playing, I particularly enjoy playing chamber music. My passion for it sprouted over the summer of 2024 when I and my quartet were sent to UVIC for Quartet Fest West 2024. I was also privileged to perform with the Kensington Sinfonia in 2024 and the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra in 2022. When I perform, I strive to make a connection and create a lasting memory for the audience.
I completed my RCM Level 10 with first class honours, participated in String Fest as a chamber musician in 2023 & 2024. I have recently been awarded 2nd place at the 2024 ARMTA Provincial Strings Competition.
Music is a universal communication medium in which I can connect with individuals and communities from all over the world. I enjoy performing with an ensemble because it conveys the ideas of all the musicians within the ensemble rather than just my own ideas. This allows me to learn from my fellow musicians and create deep connections with them as well.
My passion for basketball was ignited when I was in Grade 8. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic and the global lockdown, I spent most of my free time playing basketball aside from practicing my instrument. I joined community teams in Calgary. Going into High school, my mind was set to join the basketball team. After a successful season, I returned the following year as team captain. I dedicated many hours in practices, games and training.
My favorite aspect about having this dual life is that my day is very fulfilling. I feel excited waking up every morning at 5:30am for basketball practice. Despite the demanding schedule, I look forward to lessons and rehearsals after school. I find joy in balancing the three elements of Academics, Music and Sports.
My drive to excellence in both disciplines and collaboration with fellow teammates enables me to improve as a musician. On the other hand, my desire for perfection and focus in music is also reflected in my basketball playing.
THIRD PLACE: Megan Fisher
DISCIPLINES: Piano, Voice and Dance
As of a young age, I’ve always loved dancing. Thankfully, my mom put me in dance classes pretty quickly. I was so happy. I started off with toddler classes and recitals, and now for the past eight years I have been competitively dancing, and am now on the Senior team. I am a dedicated dancer and a focused student for all of my teachers. My love for dance is for many reasons. It has made me a healthy athlete. It relieves stress, even though there are stressful moments during dance. It has taught me time management, increased my memory skills, and has created so many friendships in my life. Mostly, I love performing and being on stage, whether it’s with a group or by myself. I love expressing and challenging myself with the choreography and music. The act of competing and performing is fun, and when I accomplish a goal, it’s the best feeling!
I am very dedicated as well to my music. I have piano and singing lessons every week. Since starting to learn piano at 4 years old, I practice regularly and take every opportunity to perform at recitals and festivals. I have taken part in ARMTA events both online as well as in-person. I also sing solo at church and with our group choir. I am dedicated especially to entertaining people whenever opportunities come up. Over the years since I was very young, I have done volunteer performances at elderly centers in Alberta and Saskatchewan to entertain the residents people there. I perform piano, singing, and dancing, and then I sometimes visit and talk with them. Seeing these people smile is the best reward of all. I also perform dance at local community events, such as parades, summer kick-offs, charities and local markets.
Playing piano, singing, and dancing for so many years has caused me to have really good musicality. At least that’s what my dance teachers say. These disciplines have created in me a love for Musical Theater. My dream and goal is to become an actress, as well as to really get into musical theater more. I know that this love for musical theater, and my abilities in it so far, are totally because of all the training I have done. And I am really grateful for these opportunities I have had that has built me into a hard-working, focused girl. I have such great teachers who are role models to me and support me in all my efforts.
I have worked very hard to give a lot to 3 arts disciplines and this isn’t always easy to balance. Thank you for this opportunity to apply for this dual excellence scholarship.
