Two scholarships are awarded annually to two children of Doctors of BC members who display outstanding scholastic achievement, remarkable volunteer contributions, and well-rounded extracurricular interests. Each recipient receives a $1000 scholarship toward postsecondary education and a certificate of achievement. Winners are selected by Doctors of BC committee members through an anonymous process. This year’s winners were selected from 29 applicants, all of whom possessed a well-balanced list of academic, extracurricular, and volunteer achievements.

Thomas Grabher, Nanaimo

Mr Thomas Grabher graduated from Nanaimo District Secondary School in 2017 as a top student immersed in academics, athletics, and community involvement. In addition to maintaining a high academic standing throughout high school, and completing the Royal Conservatory of Music’s grade 10 practical piano exam, Thomas has been committed to athletics—specifically cross-country running, basketball, and track and field. He competed at the provincial level for 3 years for all three sports, including at the 2014 BC Summer Games, and at the National Cross-country Championships from 2014 to 2016. In addition to participating on many athletic teams as a player, Thomas has been a volunteer team captain and fundraiser. 

Known for organizing and implementing running programs for elementary school students in the community, Thomas has also volunteered with various programs for the Salvation Army and spent time this past summer volunteering in Tanzania, building a school with the ME to WE program.

Thomas’s work ethic, sportsmanship, leadership abilities, and enthusiasm have afforded him numerous awards and recognition from teachers, coaches, and community members. 

Thomas started attending Queen’s University this fall in the Bachelor of Applied Science program.

Liam Welgan-Gunn, Victoria

Mr Liam Welgan-Gunn graduated from Oak Bay High School in Victoria in 2017. Liam is described by his peers and teachers as a well-rounded team player with a strong work ethic who is defined by his academic achievements, athletic ability, and social awareness.

Apart from maintaining a high academic standing throughout high school, Liam has volunteered with a variety of charitable organizations. In 2016 he participated in a Live Different Build in Mexico to build a house for a deserving family with 35 other individuals. He also played a major role in organizing and fundraising for the trip. Throughout the past 3 years, Liam has also given his time to Out of the Rain Homeless Shelters, the Mustard Seed, and the LifeCycles Project in various capacities. 

Outside of his scholarly and volunteer interests, Liam has been an enthusiastic sailor since age 7, competitively since grade 12, and has been an instructor for a wide range of students. He participated in the 2017 Melges 24 North American Championships and is training for further competitions in 2018.

Liam began the Bachelor of Engineering program at the University of Victoria this fall. Having loved designing machinery and mathematical formulas, he looks forward to developing his interest in hull design (a past schematic of his was incorporated into a design by the American Sailing Association).