Rosedale Global High School is proud to recognize Rafaela Bravin, a Rosedale student from Brazil, as the 2025 | 2026 recipient of the Chris Royce Memorial Scholarship. Presented annually, this honour celebrates an exceptional student whose dedication, achievements, and positive influence embody the spirit of the Rosedale community and inspire others to make a meaningful difference.
The scholarship was created to honor Chris Royce, Rosedale’s first teacher in China, who unexpectedly passed away in 2019, and is awarded each year to one student through a nomination and recommendation process. Rafaela plans to use the scholarship as she applies to Canadian universities, where she hopes to continue her education.
“Finding out I received the Chris Royce Memorial Scholarship was amazing. I guess you never really believe in yourself enough to think that you really deserve it, but seeing that really changed my perspective on how I’m going to apply to colleges.”
For Rafaela, receiving the scholarship is an important milestone in a journey that began when her school introduced the Rosedale Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) programme.
In a recent interview, Rafaela shared that she was excited by the opportunity to earn both a Brazilian and Canadian high school diploma. As she progressed through the programme, she found that the experience offered much more than an additional credential.
She described how the curriculum encouraged her to think critically, explore new subjects, and develop skills that extended beyond the classroom. Courses challenged her to approach problems from different perspectives while strengthening her research, communication, and independent learning skills.
“The subjects were complex, but never something that we didn’t have the ability to do. It always made us think a lot out of the box.”
One of the experiences that stood out most was learning the importance of academic integrity. Through research projects and assignments, Rafaela learned how to effectively use sources, cite information, and approach the use of artificial intelligence responsibly. She said these lessons helped shape the way she approaches learning today.
Throughout her studies, Rafaela also participated in a variety of initiatives and competitions, earning recognition for her teamwork, academic achievements, and creativity. Among these accomplishments, receiving the Chris Royce Memorial Scholarship is one she says she is especially proud of.
Looking ahead, Rafaela plans to continue her education abroad. After visiting several Canadian universities, she became inspired by their diverse learning environments, flexible academic pathways, and opportunities to explore different fields of study.
She hopes to study psychology and is currently applying to Canadian universities. During the interview, she explained that the opportunity to combine different subjects and learn alongside students from around the world is one of the aspects of Canadian education that appeals to her most.
Rafaela also reflected on how the Rosedale OSSD experience helped prepare her for the next stage of her academic journey. She believes the programme strengthened not only her academic abilities, but also her confidence, independence, and preparation for studying abroad.
“Doing the Rosedale OSSD completely changed the trajectory of my school journey.”
When asked what advice she would give to other students considering an international education, Rafaela encouraged them to explore their options, visit universities whenever possible, and not let uncertainty stop them from pursuing new opportunities.
Her story reflects the impact that the Rosedale OSSD can have beyond the classroom, helping students build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue their goals on a global stage!
