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Surrey student who battled cancer diagnosis among 5 grads recognized for achievement

Five students from the Surrey school district were chosen as recipients for the awards
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Surrey school district building (File photo)

Students across the province have been recognized for their resilience, including five recipients who began their educational journeys in the Surrey school district.

Coast Capital’s Standing Tall Education Awards are earned annually since 2004. This year, the corporation has named a total of 44 students across B.C.

Selena Senghera, a recent grad from Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary has been named the recipient of the Beth Hutchinson Education Award of $5,000 for her educational achievement while battling cancer.

Selena Senghera has been named the Beth Hutchinson Education Award recipient for her resilience through educational achievement while battling a cancer diagnosis. (Contributed photo)
Selena Senghera has been named the Beth Hutchinson Education Award recipient for her resilience through educational achievement while battling a cancer diagnosis. (Contributed photo)

This award was named after a past winner of an education award — Beth Hutchinson — who lost her life to brain cancer.

Senghera was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 10, leading her down a challenging road towards finishing school. Now, she is studying to obtain her BA in psychology, getting one step closer to her dream of becoming a clinical psychologist.

“I am extremely proud to be a recipient of the Coast Capital Beth Hutchison Education Award,” Senghera notes in a release.

“Winning this award shows children, particularly those who have suffered from cancer, that despite a seemingly devastating diagnosis we are not defined by our illness. This award allows me to pursue my educational path towards becoming a Clinical Psychologist.”

Other Surrey students recognized with the Standing Tall Education Awards of $3,500 include Anne Bui from North Surrey Secondary, Narisa Ali from Sullivan Heights Secondary and Mackenzie Dawson from Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary. The fifth winner did not disclose their name to Peace Arch News.

During her time after a cancer diagnosis, Senghera was not able to attend school for a while and instead had teachers go to her so she did not fall behind.

“After my treatment and surgery were completed, returning to school was a hard transition as my attention span was short and I was getting used to the environment,” Senghera told PAN.

“It took me some time to reconnect with my peers and my energy levels were low as I was learning to walk again.”

Now, she is “honoured” to bring a voice to others who may have had a similar educational experience to hers.


@SobiaMoman
sobia.moman@peacearchnews.com

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Sobia Moman

About the Author: Sobia Moman

Sobia Moman is a news and features reporter with the Peace Arch News.
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