Samantha Unahan, centre, will be studying electrical engineering at the U of S this fall. (Image Credit: Churchill Community High School)

By Derek Cornet

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Churchill student wins prestigious U of S scholarship

Mar 19, 2026 | 12:40 PM

Samantha Unahan is the recipient of a $30,000 scholarship from the University of Saskatchewan.  

The Grade 12 student from La Ronge’s Churchill Community High School learned she was receiving the Best and Brightest Chancellors’ Scholarship during a special ceremony on Wednesday. She will receive $7,500 per year for four years provided an 80 per cent average is maintained.  

The Best and Brightest scholarships are U of S’s highest valued, renewable entrance scholarships and are awarded based on academics, leadership and contributions to school and community life. 

“I am actually so surprised I did get this,” Unahan said.  

“When they called my name, I was out of my head. I was shaking because I was so nervous. It was surreal. It actually hasn’t even sunk in yet, but I feel very proud of myself,” she said.

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 Unahan immigrated to La Ronge from the Philippines in September 2020.  

“Moving here was a big opportunity for us and I think studying at Churchill, the teachers there are really great,” she explained. 

“They were giving us enough support and they were really pushing us to be our best. I was not the only one who contributed to getting that award.” 

Unahan is a member of the school’s robotics and badminton teams, and she also serves on the student representative council. She plans to study electrical engineering because she wants to help people by creating new products or designs.  

“I would like to say I am thankful for all of the people who helped me like all my teachers, my friends and my family. I just want to thank them for supporting me,” Unahan said.  

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com