A Grade 12 student at Fisher Branch Collegiate is being recognized for leadership, community involvement and academic success after earning a prestigious national scholarship.
Kimberly McPherson-Klimchuk, a Grade 12 student at Fisher Branch Collegiate, has been awarded the BMO Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow scholarship through the University of Manitoba, recognizing her leadership, academic achievement and community involvement
Kimberly McPherson-Klimchuk has been awarded the BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow scholarship through the University of Manitoba, valued at $16,000 over four years.
The award recognizes Indigenous high school graduates who demonstrate excellence in leadership, academics and community service. It requires a minimum 90 per cent academic average along with strong communication skills, community involvement and well-rounded achievement, and is awarded to only a small number of students across Canada each year.
McPherson-Klimchuk is the first female student from Lakeshore School Division to receive the honour and just the second recipient overall.
For McPherson-Klimchuk, the moment she learned she had been selected carried significant meaning.
“It was a really emotional moment because it showed me that my hard work, dedication and goals are being recognized and supported,” she said, adding the award also brings relief as she prepares for post-secondary studies.
A member of Peguis First Nation, she said her upbringing and connection to her culture have played a central role in shaping her outlook.
“Growing up connected to my culture and community has taught me the importance of caring for others, giving back, and leading with compassion,” she said.
That perspective is reflected in her involvement at school and in the community. As student council president, she helped lead food hamper drives and fundraising initiatives, while also volunteering as a coach and referee for youth sports. She has also been a multi-sport athlete, serving as co-captain of the varsity volleyball and basketball teams.
Her experiences at Fisher Branch Collegiate, she said, helped build the foundation for her success.
“Being part of a supportive school community helped me grow both academically and personally,” she said. “The encouragement from my teachers and peers pushed me to stay focused on my goals and believe in my potential.”
Vice-principal Donna Gislason said McPherson-Klimchuk’s commitment and drive have set her apart.
“She consistently ranks near the top of her class, and her dedication to her studies is evident through her impressive grades and her willingness to seek out additional challenges,” Gislason said.
Beyond academics, Gislason pointed to her leadership within the school.
“She has been actively involved in various extracurricular activities, including being student council president, where she has shown a strong commitment to fostering a sense of community among her peers.”
Gislason said having two students from the division earn the scholarship in consecutive years reflects the strength of the school environment.
“Even though we are a small rural school, you can still compete against the big city schools with more resources,” she said.
McPherson-Klimchuk will attend the University of Manitoba this fall, entering a bachelor of science program with plans to pursue nursing.
Her interest in health care has been shaped by strong support from both family and mentors, particularly her mother, who works as a health-care aide.
“She has shown me what it means to care for others with compassion and dedication, and she has played a big role in inspiring my goal of becoming a nurse,” McPherson-Klimchuk said.
She added that teachers and coaches have also played an important role in her journey, encouraging her to take on leadership roles and push herself to succeed.
“Their guidance and support helped me stay focused on my goals and gave me the confidence to pursue this path,” she said.
The scholarship will ease financial pressures and allow her to focus fully on her studies as she works toward becoming a registered nurse.
Looking ahead, she hopes to use her education to give back.
“My goal is to be part of creating positive change, helping people heal, supporting families and giving back to my community that shaped who I am today,” she said.
Being the first female recipient from her division adds another layer of meaning.
“I hope it encourages other girls to believe in themselves and go after their goals no matter the challenges they face.”
