Luke Santi Memorial Award

Established and funded by Perimeter Institute, this award is presented annually in memory of Luke Santi. Luke was a high school student who demonstrated a passion for research and discovery, earned top marks in his courses, took part in a variety of extracurricular activities, and volunteered his time in service of others.

In honour of Luke’s many accomplishments and contributions, the award is presented annually to a Canadian student who demonstrates Luke’s many qualities — academic performance, interest in science, extracurricular activities, and volunteering — and is graduating high school to begin post-secondary education in physical sciences at a Canadian university.

Award Details

The award includes $1000 and the opportunity to visit Perimeter Institute for a tour, lunch with researchers and staff, and seminars or other scheduled events. One award will be made each year to a graduating Canadian high school student who has been accepted into a full-time academic program in physical sciences at a Canadian university in the fall. The successful student is expected to direct the award towards tuition for studies in physics.

Selection Criteria

The student is selected based on a combination of academic merit and non-academic criteria including:

• Academic success in the last year of secondary studies - a minimum 80% average overall is required as shown in copies of official high school transcripts.
• Demonstrated passion for physics outside of the normal academic environment (e.g. being a member of a local amateur astronomy club, volunteering with a physics association)
• Demonstrated interest in a wide range of activities outside of physics (e.g. community involvement, sports, debating clubs, etc., including volunteer activities in service of others)
• Minimum of two letters of recommendation by a teacher, principal, professor or association leader (not a relative). The letters of reference will assist the selection committee in establishing the applicant’s participation and achievement in the life and activities of their school and/or community; participation in a physics stream of study; nature of the participant’s character, personal qualities and temperament, etc.