Bachelor of Arts students Jonah Cameron and Lauren Sooksom will soon journey to Montreal as national finalists for the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill.
Established with a landmark $200-million gift in 2019, the McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies. More than 700 Canadians applied, and 151 advanced to a first round of interviews in November. The top 53 Canadians will attend the final round of interviews in Montreal, joined by 38 finalists from other countries. Travel and accommodation costs are covered for the final interviews.
“I have never been to Montreal before, and I am most excited to try authentic poutine for the first time,” said Sooksom . “I’ve tried to make homemade cheese curds multiple times and haven’t been very successful. I’m dying to taste the real deal!”
McCall MacBain Scholars receive substantial funding to pursue an eligible degree at McGill University, including full tuition coverage, a $2,300 monthly living stipend during academic terms and summer funding options. Scholars are paired with mentors and coaches, participate in an interdisciplinary leadership program and have access to the McCall MacBain House on campus. A relocation grant is also available for those moving to Montreal.
Applicants are endorsed by their universities of origin and assessed by volunteer leaders based on evidence of character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity.
Jonah Cameron is captain of the Blue Devils men’s soccer team and coaches youth at a non-profit soccer club. He also contributes to two Dalhousie student associations, works at university sporting events and acts as a freelance sports journalist. Previously, he managed a semi-pro soccer team suite. In addition, Cameron has volunteered at two research labs, working on projects related to emotional regulation and olfactory processing in dogs.
Cameron is applying to master’s programs in kinesiology and educational leadership at McGill. He is keen to examine overlooked factors behind athletic success.
“I couldn’t believe it when I was given the news; I was in absolute jubilation,” said Cameron about the moment he learned he was a finalist. “Additionally, I feel immensely grateful to my family, friends, teammates and mentors who helped me get to this point, a real testament to a collective effort.”
“My five years playing for the King’s soccer team have allowed me to further develop my leadership skills and prepared me for this amazing opportunity,” he added.
Lauren Sooksom is completing her degree in English and Creative Writing while working in residence as a receptionist. She is Vice-President of the Dalhousie English Society and a writer with Dalhousie’s satirical newspaper, the Mackerel.
Sooksom serves soup weekly as part of the King’s Food Security Initiative. She also served on the BIPOC Excellence Scholarship Committee, volunteered as an orientation week leader and taught youth at her local ballet studio. In addition, she mentored a student through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Sooksom spent her summers working at the public library and in provincial government.
Sooksom is applying to the Master of Arts in English program at McGill. She hopes to research the intersections of feminism, colonialism and racial sentiments in children’s literature about witchcraft.
“Being a finalist feels surreal and incredibly encouraging,” said Sooksom . “I am honoured that the importance of literature and my passion for it have been recognized at this level.”
“The Foundation Year Program and Dalhousie’s English Program have uniquely prepared me for this opportunity by giving me the tools to be an effective communicator, strong critical thinker and compassionate person. These qualities shape the leader I am today and support the one I wish to become,” she added.
“We aim to support emerging leaders who demonstrate integrity, kindness, curiosity and courage,” said Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “These students have already shown remarkable promise in their communities, and we’re grateful to the universities that encouraged and supported them in pursuing this opportunity.”
While in Montreal, Cameron and Sooksom will interview with leaders from academia, business, government and the social sector. Up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews. Canadian finalists not selected for the cohort will be eligible to receive $10,000 towards their studies at McGill.
“We are also deeply thankful to the more than 300 leaders who lend their time to help us select these exceptional students and graduates,” added Natasha Sawh, CEO of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “The interviews provide candidates with a space for meaningful reflection, and we hope they leave with a stronger sense of their leadership potential and the impact they can have in strengthening communities.”
Cameron and Sooksom were among three candidates from King’s recognized this year. Law, Justice, and Society student Rowan Helmer earned a $5,000 McCall MacBain Regional Award for being among the top candidates in Atlantic Canada. The Regional Award can be applied to eligible studies at any public university in Canada.
Helmer is an active member of the Dal Dance Society. As a co-founder of Nova Scotia Youth for Climate Action, Helmer helped connect and mobilize youth in climate protests and advocated for stronger responses to the climate emergency in Nova Scotia. She also works part-time as the community engagement manager at the Galley, a role she was promoted to after working as a barista.
Applications will open in June 2026 for the 2027 cohort. More information about the McCall MacBain Scholarships can be found at mccallmacbainscholars.org.
Banner photo by Grant Van Cleemput on Unsplash
