On June 27, Columbia International College held the third graduation celebration for the Class of 2025, congratulating students on their remarkable achievements. With determination, optimism, and resilience, this graduating class has turned their dreams into reality and is now stepping confidently into the next chapter of life.
CIC Class of 2025 Reaches New Milestones
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Total university scholarships awarded: nearly $37 million CAD ($36,993,893)
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Highest individual scholarship amount: $834,000 CAD
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University of Toronto scholarships awarded: $14.8 million CAD — the highest total among all high schools globally
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Total university offers received from Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia: nearly 2,400
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Offers from Canada’s Top 10 universities: 1,420
Keynote Speaker – Pauline Dawson
Pauline Dawson, Director, Admissions, Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services at Brock University, offered valuable career insights, encouraging graduates to boldly explore their potential and embrace future opportunities.
Valedictorian – Rhona Nagitta
Rhona delivered a heartfelt speech. In just one year, she:
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Completed 150 hours of community service
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Took leadership roles in residence life, the Robotics Team, and the Student Council
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Received multiple Character Awards
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Earned $175,100 CAD in scholarships
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Was accepted into top Health Sciences programs at McMaster, Western, Queen’s, Ottawa, and Alberta
Vote of Thanks – George Ikart
Since joining CIC in August 2024, George has made a lasting impact through his dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. A standout athlete and the Varsity soccer team’s leading goalkeeper, he is admired for his leadership on the field and his humility, reliability, and quiet confidence off it. George has earned $38,000 in scholarships and university offers from top engineering programs across Ontario, and will attend Ontario Tech University for Automotive Engineering.
Spotlight Student – Ziugin Cai (Chile)
Ziugin joined CIC two years ago through the University of Toronto Elite Pathway Program and shone brightly at the graduation ceremony, receiving top awards:
- Governor General’s Academic Medal
- Highest marks in English, Math, and Science
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award
- 337.5 hours of community service
- Elite Pathway Award & Principal’s Scholarship
Ziugin graduated with an outstanding academic record and received offers from top Canadian universities along with significant scholarships. His university admissions include:
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University of Waterloo (Computer Engineering & Geomatics)
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University of Toronto (St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough campuses – Computer Science)
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Western University (Computer Science)
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Queen’s University (Computing)
Total scholarships awarded: $258,000 CAD
Guests of Honor
McMaster University
Michelle Gallera Dias, Senior International Recruitment Officer, Office of the Registrar
Ontario Tech University
Roger Ragoonath, Senior Student Recruitment Officer, Office of the Registrar
University of Toronto Mississauga
Tara Fader, Manager, Student Recruitment Events
University of Toronto St. George
Sagebelle Wu, Assistant Director, Business Develpment & Partnership Management
University of Waterloo
Dhriti Guliani, International Recruitment specialist
Western University
Danica Deng, International Recruitment and Enrolment Officer International, Undergraduate Recruitment
York University
Ryan Hipgrave, Manager, Domestic Student Recruitment, Student Recruitment & Admissions, Office of the University Registrar
