Six Surrey students receive $50K scholarships from Cmolik Foundation

Surrey Schools is proud to share that six students in the district are each receiving $50,000 scholarships from the Cmolik Foundation for their post-secondary education.

Students from Enver Creek, Fleetwood Park, Frank Hurt, Guildford Park, Johnston Heights and L.A. Matheson secondary schools are among this year’s Cmolik scholarship winners, selected from more than 120 accomplished applicants and recognized for their academic achievements, work ethic, philanthropy and ability to overcome adversity.

This year’s Cmolik scholarship recipients are:

Amrit Singh Basra, Enver Creek Secondary

Even while serving on several clubs and councils, Basra has maintained excellent grades throughout secondary school, living up to his hard working reputation. The scientifically inclined grad is heading to UBC to attain a Bachelor of Science with a focus on biology, having found joy in learning biological and chemical sciences.

“Amrit ensures to keep his academics at a high standard and always follows through on his commitments,” said music director Dihan Weeratunge. “He is a part of our charities club, athletic council and grad council, which all teachers at our school know require a lot of extra time of the students that are a part of it. Our school is a better place having him as a student here.”

Sharan Dhariwal, L.A. Matheson Secondary

Recognized for her strong work ethic and exemplary grades, Dhariwal has been admitted to UBC where she will complete a Food, Nutrition and Health Sciences degree in pursuit of becoming a naturopathic doctor, desiring to help people using natural remedies such as functional and homeopathic medicine.

“Sharan is an outstanding, hard working and dedicated student who has excelled academically throughout secondary school,” said math department head Lily Woo. “Her strong academics and her drive for excellence will help her thrive as she pursues a Bachelor of Science degree in the Faculty of Health, Science, and Nutrition at UBC this fall.”

Nanziba Islam, Frank Hurt Secondary

A star student, Islam stood out to the selection committee for her career aspirations in the pharmaceutical industry. Islam intends to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree at UBC, followed by a PhD in pharmacology, to pursue research in drug development and transform clinical research into treatment.

“It was a real pleasure having Nanziba in my classroom,” said social studies teacher Vasilis Kontsonikas. “She is a fine young woman with many wonderful skills. Her kindness, enthusiasm, dedication and passion are very much appreciated.”

Sean Yu-Xian Miao, Fleetwood Park Secondary

Seen as a highly capable leader within his school, the recent grad has channelled his headstrong abilities towards medicine, planning to obtain a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from UBC before applying to medical school. Miao hopes to become a physician with the aim of supporting underprivileged communities and families while conducting research and mentoring medical students.

“Whether excelling as a musician, leading within the school or mentoring his peers, Sean approaches every challenge with determination and a tireless work ethic,” said music department head Colleen Sheridan. “His resilience, adaptability and leadership make him an outstanding candidate for this scholarship.”

Kamsiyochukwu Okoye, Guildford Park Secondary

Esteemed among her peers, Okoye was selected for her commitment to helping others as she works becoming an ICU nurse. She plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in nursing at UBC with the personal goal of making a meaningful difference in critical care.

“I am constantly in awe of Kamsi’s accomplishments and her ability to make a better future for herself,” said English teacher Manvir Kaur Thiara. “She is a special student and who always brings joy and laughter to the classroom. It speaks volumes when everyone at Guildford Park knows who Kamsi is and speaks about her dedication and compassionate nature before speaking about her academics, even though they are excellent.”

Zahran Mohammad, Johnston Heights Secondary

Dedicated to his studies, Mohammad is academically well-rounded and deeply inquisitive in all of his courses, setting himself up to excel in post-secondary. Mohammad has chosen to pursue a Bachelor of Civil Engineering, emphasizing his fascination and interest in contributing to infrastructure projects.

“Academically, Zahran is both capable and driven,” said vice-principal Jennifer MacDonald. “He has demonstrated an outstanding performance in math, French and global politics. He possesses the intellectual curiosity and discipline necessary for success at the university level.”

Founded in 2008, the Cmolik Foundation provides scholarships to youth who have experienced adversity, supporting their undergraduate and post-secondary education. Currently, 100 students are enrolled in the foundation’s scholarship program.

Congratulations to all of our 2025 Cmolik Foundation scholarship recipients!

For past winners, see our recipients from 2024, 2023, 2022 (including graduate scholarships), 2021 and 2020.