2025 Distinguished Service Award Winners

Honouring Excellence and Dedication: Meet Our 2025 Distinguished Service Award Winners

Youth Science Canada proudly recognizes nine exceptional individuals with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates those who have made outstanding contributions to youth STEM development across Canada through their innovation, dedication, and leadership.

The Distinguished Service Award honours individuals who have significantly impacted Youth Science Canada’s mission to empower Canadian youth to engage their curiosity in discovering and innovating through STEM projects. These remarkable recipients have strengthened our programs at every level – from regional STEM fairs to national initiatives.

Dr. Anju Bajaj (Manitoba)

Dr. Anju Bajaj has made exceptional contributions as Chair of the Bison Regional Science Fair, demonstrating unwavering dedication to fostering youth innovation and scientific inquiry.

What inspired you to get involved with STEM fairs?
“I’ve always believed in the transformative power of curiosity and inquiry. Science fairs provide a platform where students can explore, ask bold questions, and realize that their ideas can lead to real-world impact. Encouraging students to dream big and guiding them as they turn those dreams into action is at the heart of everything I do.”

Most memorable experience:
“One unforgettable moment was witnessing a student I mentored secure over $600,000 in scholarships through their science fair journey. It was a testament to what is possible when passion meets opportunity. Beyond awards, it’s the growth in confidence, problem-solving, and purpose I see in each participant that leaves a lasting impression.”

Most rewarding aspect:
“Seeing students develop confidence in their abilities and watching their sense of wonder turn into concrete projects that tackle real-world challenges is the most rewarding part of my work. Knowing that I play a small part in shaping the next generation of change-makers brings me endless joy and motivation.”

About Anju:
Outside of the STEM fair community, Anju serves as a teacher, STEM advisor, and passionate advocate for youth empowerment through science education. With a background in research and over 20 years of experience in education, she is actively involved in community outreach, mental health advocacy, and environmental initiatives, striving to foster equity, innovation, and excellence in everything she does.

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Kristen Blanchette (Alberta)

Kristen Blanchette has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the Northwestern Alberta Regional Science Fair, showing remarkable commitment to expanding STEM opportunities for youth.

What inspired you to get involved with STEM fairs?
“Growing up I remember being in elementary and seeing the school science fair and being amazed by all of the cool projects that the older students were doing. Then when I started teaching I started the science fair back up at our school. The committee was looking for new members and I really felt that it was important that I join to help grow the Regional fair. As a high school chemistry and biology teacher I really see the value in Science Fair.”

Most memorable experience:
“I love every science fair at every level because students are so excited (and nervous) to show off their work. I love being at the registration table and seeing students walk in who are both excited and nervous at the same time to share what they have been working on. A very memorable moment was when I was able to join one of my students at the Canada Wide Science Fair and see it through my student’s eyes.”

Most rewarding aspect:
“I just love providing students the opportunity to show off their hard work on their science fair project. Science Fair provides another area for some students to really shine that otherwise don’t get to shine. I also find it really rewarding to watch students come back each year and see how much they have grown in their skills of presenting their project, project topic, research quality and confidence.”

About Kristen:
Born, raised, and continuing to live in Northern Alberta, Kristen completed a Bachelor of Science from Augustana University followed by an After-Degree through Campus St. Jean at the University of Alberta. After teaching Junior High and Senior High sciences for 10 years, she is currently the Dual Credit Coach for High Prairie School Division while working toward her Masters of Education. Kristen enjoys working on her family grain farm with her husband and two children, spending time outdoors, reading, and sitting around a campfire sharing stories.

Paul Bullock (Ontario)

Paul Bullock has made outstanding contributions to the Rideau St. Lawrence Regional Science Fair, demonstrating exceptional dedication as Awards Chair and MC while championing youth STEM engagement for over 15 years.

Background in STEM Education:
After working as an engineer, Paul embarked on a 34-year teaching career in math, physics, and technology at the secondary level. He was involved in an “integrated science” STEM program that incorporated math, science, computer science, and technology. At Queen’s University, he taught technical teachers how to better teach their areas of expertise, further extending his impact on STEM education.

Contributions to the Regional Science Fair:
Since joining the Regional Committee in 2008, Paul has served as Awards Chair, coordinating all aspects of the awards process including securing plaques, arranging engraving, and managing relationships with sponsors. As MC of the Awards Ceremony, he ensured a smooth and meaningful conclusion to the fair day, coordinating guest speakers and recognizing local dignitaries including mayors, MPs, and MPPs to highlight the importance of STEM in the community.

Impact on Students:
Throughout his career, Paul has been dedicated to providing opportunities for students to participate in real-world learning. One notable example was guiding students in converting a full-size pickup truck to electric power for a competition. His reassuring presence on fair days has provided valuable support to both students and committee members, while his commitment to recognizing all participants—not just winners—demonstrates his dedication to encouraging all young people in STEM.

Legacy:
Paul’s relationships within the community have resulted in new opportunities for students, including establishing a cash award through a local service club for “a self-constructed working model demonstrating a concept”—a first for the region. His consistent advocacy has ensured that the broader community understands the importance of science fairs and STEM.

Lina Gallant (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Lina Gallant has made exceptional contributions to the Newfoundland and Labrador Science Fair Council, demonstrating outstanding dedication as Treasurer for 15 years while championing youth engagement in STEM.

What inspired you to get involved with STEM fairs?
“My involvement in science fairs began as a university student, where I volunteered as a judge at school science fairs. This involvement inspired me to promote science fairs within my school, particularly to my own students. It wasn’t until my oldest daughter began her journey with science fairs that I truly saw the profoundly positive impacts of the experience.”

Most memorable experience:
“My daughter’s involvement in local STEM fairs and the CWSF over many years, coupled with the support of her teachers, helped to strengthen her love of science, ultimately leading to her obtaining a PhD in Chemistry and following a career in research. It was this significant impact that further encouraged me to work with the Newfoundland and Labrador Science Fair Council, promoting STEM fairs on a larger scale beyond my own school.”

Most rewarding aspect:
“One of the most rewarding aspects of STEM fairs was witnessing the excitement of the students and seeing their commitment to learning. Through science fairs, students develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and communication. For me, seeing students gain a hands-on understanding of science—particularly how science evolves and impacts the world—was one of the greatest rewards.”

About Lina:
Lina is a retired science educator with over 30 years of teaching experience, primarily in St. John’s, NL. She received her degrees in Biology and Education from Memorial University, inspired by her love of nature and the world around her. Throughout her career, Lina worked on many committees, including developing curriculum for the Government of Newfoundland’s Department of Education. She currently lives in Mount Pearl, where she enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, and cooking while spending time with her husband and two daughters.

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Michel Larocque (Ontario)

Michel Larocque has made significant contributions to the Windsor Regional Science Fair, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing youth STEM engagement in both official languages.

What inspired you to get involved with STEM fairs?
“My journey in STEM began in my third year of teaching, where I organized science fairs for elementary francophone schools in the region. Outstanding projects advanced to the regional fair, where I was recruited to represent French-speaking schools. Since then, I have taken on most of the other roles on the committee, served as a delegate for CWSF, and was one of the co-chairs of the CWSF2014 local hosting team in Windsor.”

Most memorable experience:
“I will never forget all the people I interacted with during my years of service with the local and national science fair committees. It is thanks to their ideas, inspiration and mentorship that I was able to improve the event and the planning. Also, many of these people have become very good friends.”

Most rewarding aspect:
“Seeing the participants receive awards for their work and then leave the award ceremony with a smile, a sense of accomplishment, and lots of bling and cash! Science fairs are often a stepping stone to new experiences and opportunities, and I am very proud to know that I contributed to that. Additionally, many recipients of the CWSF scholarships have distinguished themselves in other projects and come back to talk to us to motivate the next cohort.”

About Michel:
Michel Larocque has been a teacher in southwestern Ontario since 2002, where he has taught mathematics, chemistry, and IB courses, and briefly worked for a local nutraceutical company as a supervisor of chemical and microbiological laboratories. Currently teaching for the CAVLFO, Michel spends his free time training for races, learning programming, and traveling to northern Ontario, southern Alberta, or surprise destinations.

Emilie Leneveu (Ontario)

Emilie Leneveu has made outstanding contributions to the Quinte Regional Science Fair, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing youth STEM engagement.

What inspired you to get involved with STEM fairs?
“I first participated in my regional science fair as a student, having moved on from my school fair. When I was selected that year to go to CWSF in Peterborough I was beyond thrilled and never looked back! In my adult life, I re-joined my region as a committee member and eventually delegate, wanting to give back to an event and organization that provided me with so many life-long lessons, skills and friendships.”

Most memorable experience:
“From my time as a participant, meeting Roberta Bondar at my first CWSF was a tremendous opportunity that sparked motivation to continue to pursue my dreams. As a delegate, there have been countless moments of seeing this same type of spark ignited in our students. It is such a blessing to see first-hand and a joy to continue to cultivate that spark wherever possible.”

Most rewarding aspect:
“I really enjoy seeing the development of curiosity and ingenuity in youth. Having the opportunity to promote science and innovation in our local science networks while seeing numerous students move on to achieve and surpass their goals is extremely rewarding.”

About Emilie:
Emilie is a biotechnologist and entrepreneur with a passion for equity, education and the environment. She currently serves as the President for the Centre for Workforce Development, a Director for the Quinte Regional Science Fair, a youth advisor for the Canadian Commission of UNESCO, and the Head Coach of the 18U Belleville Ravens Volleyball Club. Emilie ran for Member of Provincial Parliament in the 2022 General Election and is passionate about increasing diverse representation in government.

Cindy Ramsay (Prince Edward Island)

Cindy Ramsay has made significant contributions to the PEI Regional Science Fair, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing youth STEM engagement.

What inspired you to get involved with STEM fairs?
“I became involved in STEM projects and fairs as a teacher mainly due to my own experiences as a student. I was a finalist at CWSF 1986 in Calgary and it was such a memorable experience that I wanted to help others experience the same. As a teacher, I see the power of sparking curiosity and interest in the world around us and specifically in science and technology.”

Most memorable experience:
“I was on the planning committee for CWSF 2012 held in Charlottetown. I worked with an amazing team and we had such a great time. It was a lot of work leading up to the event but was very rewarding. Many of the same people are still on our team for the regional fair.”

Most rewarding aspect:
“I love to feel the energy in the arena and the excitement of the students (and adults) on fair day, to hear their sense of accomplishment when presenting what they have done, and to see the joy on their faces at receiving awards to recognize their hard work.”

About Cindy:
Cindy teaches grade 9 science and math at Kensington Intermediate Senior High School and is finishing her 32nd year of teaching. Beyond her teaching career, she keeps busy volunteering with her church and as an official with Skate Canada. Cindy has two daughters and is getting married this summer, becoming a stepmother to two sons who all live in New Brunswick.

Byron Schamehorn (Alberta)

Byron Schamehorn has distinguished himself through his dedication to the Peace River Regional Science Fair, where he’s shown remarkable commitment to cultivating scientific excellence among youth.

What inspired you to get involved with STEM fairs?
“I enjoy coaching and facilitating sports and I believe that competition and the drive for excellence can bring out the best in people. There are many of these opportunities, but not as many for STEM. Science Fair is a chance for students to really push themselves into applying their problem-solving skills to the limit.”

Most memorable experience:
“One of the most special moments for me was when I attended a Canada Wide Science Fair in Fredericton as a delegate for our region. We had a chance to explore the area as a group and many of the competitors went into a local music shop. Soon all these kids were trying out instruments and playing some really amazing music. Seeing the amount of talent in that room was very special.”

Most rewarding aspect:
“As a Jr. High Science Teacher I get to introduce my students to their first dissection labs. It’s a cool experience to see them get their ‘hands dirty’ trying out a potential new skill for the first time. It’s one of the best experiences for all of us each year.”

About Byron:
Primarily a husband and father, Byron finds his greatest joy and satisfaction in these family roles. He spends summers playing in a band and directing Bible Camp, and enjoys hunting and fishing with his family when the opportunity arises. The remainder of his spare time is dedicated to serving as a councillor for the Town of Peace River, a role he hopes to expand in the coming years.

Peter Thor (Ontario)

Peter Thor has made outstanding contributions to the Bluewater Regional Science and Technology Fair, where his financial acumen and fundraising efforts have supported thousands of young scientists.

What inspired you to get involved with STEM fairs?
“My involvement started as a parent to our three children. We mentored Science Fair projects in our home every winter, sometimes 3 projects at time. It was very satisfying for our children and for us as parents. We were approached to volunteer for the Science Fair committee in 1998 and were happy to come on board. As my expertise was financial I took on the role as Treasurer and fundraiser.”

Most memorable experience:
“Every fair is memorable and significant. The students’ enthusiasm and dedication to Science brings joy to my heart year after year. Almost 10,000 students have passed through our Regional Fairs since 1998 and I am proud of each and every one of them.”

Most rewarding aspect:
“The students, my fellow committee members and my relationship with our sponsors. Our sponsors are as enthusiastic about and committed to Science Fair as our committee is. Some of our sponsors have been with us even before I became involved in 1998, over 27 years.”

About Peter:
Peter is first and foremost a husband, father, and grandfather. A retired public accountant from Walkerton, Ontario, he had the good fortune of serving on community boards, committees of the Ontario and Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, and nationally and internationally for his accounting firm. Peter was made a Fellow of the Ontario Institute of Chartered Accountants recognizing these contributions, and throughout all those years, he has remained Treasurer and fundraiser for the Bluewater Regional Science and Technology Fair.

The Legacy of Service

The contributions of these Distinguished Service Award recipients extend far beyond their individual roles. Their collective efforts have strengthened our national STEM fair network, inspired countless young scientists, and helped build a more inclusive and innovative scientific community across Canada.

Through their leadership, mentorship, and tireless commitment, our award recipients have created opportunities for youth to explore their curiosity and develop their potential in STEM. We celebrate their achievements and thank them for their invaluable contributions to youth science in Canada.

The Distinguished Service Award is Youth Science Canada’s highest honour for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to our organization and its mission. Recipients are nominated by their peers and selected based on their long-term impact, innovation, and dedication to youth STEM development in Canada. Learn more about Youth Science Canada’s awards and view past recipients here.