Local student wins Lakehead’s coveted Presidential Scholarship

Driven by a desire to make a difference, Christina Petsinis did just that at her high school, tentatively dipping her toe into student politics in Grade 9 before diving into new leadership positions, making a splash not only at her school, but also at the school board and provincial levels.

“I love politics and I love to make a positive difference,” said Petsinis, who started to blossom when she began Grade 9 at Innisdale Secondary School in Barrie.

“I remember my mom telling me, heading into Grade 9, that it was a fresh start,” said Petsinis. “She encouraged me to get involved.”

The exuberant student took the advice to heart, running for, and winning, a seat on student council that first year. She served throughout her four years at Innisdale, capping her political run by being elected council president in her final year.

Petsinis’s final year would also see her elected as a student trustee, earning her a seat on the Simcoe County District School Board and a member of the Ontario Student Trustees Association.

While maintaining a 94% average, Petsinis used her new position to be a voice for students, playing a leadership role in the province-wide Stick it to Fast Food movement and Students Against Bill 115 campaign.

At the same time, as part of her leadership class that year, she was elected as the project manager for Sportapalooza, an event hosted by Innisdale for 200 elementary school students with special needs.

“That was a highlight for sure,” said Petsinis. “We organized the entire day, handled media interviews… It was a great experience.”

The range of experiences shaped Petsinis, who decided a future in politics or media could be in the cards. She’d chosen to pursue those studies at the University of Guelph until a recruiter from Lakehead University showed up at Innisdale.

“It was just me and one other student and we were able to talk to him for over an hour,” said Petsinis. “He just really sold the school: the idea of a small, new campus, of small classes… It was exactly what I was looking for.”

That prompted a campus visit and, soon after, a change in plans. She decided Lakehead was for her. She also learned of the Presidential Scholarship offered at Lakehead and applied for it. The award is given out to a maximum of two students per year who have demonstrated leadership qualities and made significant contributions to their high school and their community.

This year, Petsinis became just the second student from the Orillia campus to win the coveted scholarship.

“I remember when I got the call… I was so excited,” said Petsinis. “I never did any of the things I did at high school in order to be recognized or to win a scholarship. But at the same time, it was kind of a vindication of all that hard work. Not only did it make me who I am, but it led me to that point.”

The passionate student has continued at Lakehead what she started in high school. The first-year student in the Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science program, with specializations in Media Studies and Political Science, is already heavily involved in campus life.

Petsinis was chosen as a floor rep for the student residence, voted president of the Residence Council, and is heading up the food and residence improvement committee.  She is also volunteering for the university’s student newspaper and has already had bylines in the paper.

“I love the atmosphere here. The campus is beautiful, the faculty have been great… It’s just what I hoped it would be,” said Petsinis, who chose to live on campus so she could be involved in campus life.

And while she is busy concentrating on her academics and volunteer roles, she has one eye on the future. She foresees a career path that likely starts in media and is followed by politics. She could see herself being an elected trustee one day, or serve a higher office.

“I am pretty driven and have high expectations of myself,” said Petsinis, who demonstrates a maturity beyond her 17 years.

So, Prime Minister Petsinis some day?

“I don’t know about that,” she says with a laugh. “But, you never know.”

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Lakehead Orillia student Christina Petsinis of Barrie, won the University’s Presidential Scholarship, representing just the second student from the Orillia campus to win the coveted award. She will be officially recognized for her achievement by the University’s Senate on October 21.

Kathy Hunt is the Communications Officer at Lakehead’s Orillia Campus and can be reached at kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca.