June 17, 2025
NWSS Student Leader Receives UBC’s Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Award
New Westminster, B.C. 鈥� It began with an invitation to an academic outreach project at the (UBC) and blossomed into a life-changing development for (NWSS) 12th grader Euodia Opigo.
Opigo, who graduates this June, is being recognized with a $80,000 to attend UBC.
鈥淭his means a lot to me,鈥� said Opigo. 鈥淭he scholarship takes some of the financial burden off me and my parents. I鈥檒l be able to go through school without worrying about where tuition will come from.鈥�
Two years ago, Opigo attended her first project event after District Vice Principal for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Kenneth Headley introduced her and other students to the initiative. The project, run by UBC staff, is designed to connect Black youth from across the Lower Mainland with professors, professionals, mentors, and other role models who reflect their identities.
It was through Black Futures that she first learned about the Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program, which supports Black students in their post-secondary pursuits. Opigo is preparing to study food nutrition at UBC but has bigger ambitions to build a career in medicine.
Opigo鈥檚 leadership extends beyond academics at NWSS. She founded 鈥淩oots鈥�, a club for Black students boasting around 40 members that hold events like culture days and Black History Month celebrations. Through 鈥淩oots鈥�, she brought fellow students to UBC Black Futures, giving others a chance to experience the same inspiration that sparked her own journey. She credits the club鈥檚 success with the freedom and support given to them by club sponsor Lily de Sousa and youth worker Carl Lewis.
Most of all, Opigo is grateful to her friends and family.
鈥淚 want to thank my friends and parents, especially my mom,鈥� she said. 鈥淪he came to Canada to provide us with a better life and because of her, I鈥檓 living her dreams.鈥�
Headley is proud of her achievements and considers them guiding lights for other students in the district.
鈥淓uodia鈥檚 brilliance and resilience have brought her to this moment,鈥� he said. 鈥淪he deserves every bit of [recognition]. She will continue lead, inspiring and uplifting others wherever she goes.鈥�
Like other grads, Opigo is preparing for the next chapter of her life, but nevertheless has an eye on the bigger picture.
鈥淩epresentation is very important,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here are a lot of Black students in New Westminster. It鈥檚 important for people to see that we are here, we are worthy, and we are capable.鈥�