B.Ed. Alum Finalists for McCall MacBain Scholarships

Margaret Mackenzie and Samantha Nepton, both 2023 graduates of the Bachelor of Education program, are finalists for the McCall MacBain Scholarships, Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies.

Each finalist was chosen based on their character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.

Margaret Mackenzie works part-time as a teacher with the Montreal English School Board and as an Indigenous outreach program coordinator at McGill. Margaret served as co-vice president, academic of the Education Undergraduate Society (EdUS), overseeing a student mentorship program, and facilitated weekly workshops on global citizenship and activism for an elementary school class. She worked as a summer camp counsellor for five years. She is applying for master’s programs in education to learn to better advocate for Indigenous peoples within the system of education.

“In my master’s studies, I hope to continue making an impact in the education system by doing Indigenous research that can help support teachers in their classrooms. I also hope to be a part of a community of educators, dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for all students.”

Samantha Nepton is a homeroom teacher with the English Montreal School Board, supporting students with cognitive disabilities. She spent last summer interning with the IMPRESS Indigenous summer research program. During her studies, Sam served as the first equity commissioner of EdUS, facilitated activities for children at a foster home, and played clarinet in the symphonic band. During an exchange term at the University of Adelaide, she participated in a comedy club. Sam plans to pursue a master’s degree in education or public policy.

“My experience in the BEd program allowed me to explore so many of my other interests while also giving me practical skills. My university experience also connected me with my mentor, who introduced me to this scholarship and really guided me through the process.”