Meet 2026 William G. Davis Scholarship winner Raadha Khanna

Curiosity has been a driving force throughout Raadha Khanna's academic journey.

From competing in national science competitions to volunteering in her community and exploring healthcare through hands-on experiences, Raadha has consistently sought opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference. This year, FCT had the honour of awarding her the William G. Davis Scholarship, recognizing her academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to serving others.

The William G. Davis Scholarship is part of FCT's Community Investment Program and is made possible through a meaningful partnership with the Halton Learning Foundation. Together, FCT and the Halton Learning Foundation are committed to supporting students in the Halton Region by helping remove financial barriers to post-secondary education and creating opportunities for young people to pursue their goals and make a positive impact in their communities.

This fall, Raadha will begin her studies in the Life Sciences program at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), where she plans to pursue a specialization in Biology for Health Sciences as she works toward her long-term goal of becoming a physician.

“My fascination with biology and the complexity of living systems inspired me to pursue this field of study,” she shared. “Since the beginning of high school, I have enjoyed learning about the biological sciences, which has strengthened my motivation to continue studying in this area.”

That passion for learning has led to an impressive list of accomplishments. Throughout high school, Raadha participated in several academic enrichment opportunities and science competitions, earning a bronze distinction at the national level in the Canadian Biology Olympiad, placing second in the University of Toronto Mississauga Brain Bee among high school students across the Greater Toronto Area, and achieving a top 35th percentile result globally in the University of Waterloo's Chem 13 contest.

“These experiences were invaluable because they allowed me to dive deeper into the sciences while strengthening my curiosity and commitment to biology,” she said.

While academic achievement has played an important role in her journey, community involvement has been equally meaningful.

To date, Raadha has contributed more than 345 volunteer hours supporting youth, seniors, and other vulnerable populations through a variety of outreach and education initiatives.

One of her most significant leadership experiences has been serving as a Student Communications Advisor with the Halton District School Board. Selected from more than 700 applicants, she helps review communications before they are shared with approximately 66,000 students, ensuring student voices are represented effectively and authentically.

“Community involvement is an integral part of my being,” she said.

Her volunteer work has included supporting pediatric patients, participating in senior outreach programs, serving as a STEM peer tutor, testing educational programs for nonprofit organizations, and contributing to leadership initiatives within her school community.

“These opportunities have reinforced my desire to connect with and care for others,” she explained.

For Raadha, service has never been about recognition or achievement.

“Service is not about achievement,” she said. “It's about compassion, consistency, and dedication to improving others' lives.”

Beyond the classroom and her volunteer commitments, Raadha has also learned the importance of maintaining balance.

During Grade 11, she faced the challenge of managing academics, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and personal well-being. The experience helped her develop stronger time-management skills and taught her the value of sustainable habits.

“It taught me valuable lessons about time management, self-care, and balancing ambition with personal well-being,” she said.

Those lessons helped her accomplish one of the achievements she is most proud of: maintaining a 99 per cent average throughout Grade 12 while remaining actively involved in her school and community.

“For me, the grade itself is a reflection of my dedication, work ethic, and genuine love for learning,” she said.

Receiving the William G. Davis Scholarship is a milestone that represents years of dedication, perseverance, and service.

“To me, this award represents years of hard work,” Raadha said. “It represents the late nights and early mornings of dedication to myself, my school, and my community. This scholarship feels like a door to my future, and I am humbled that FCT believes in my potential.”

The scholarship will help support her transition to post-secondary education by easing the financial burden associated with university and allowing her to focus on her studies, leadership opportunities, and preparation for medical school.

Looking ahead, Raadha hopes to combine her passion for science with a lifelong commitment to helping others.

“I would like to provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients while advocating for systemic healthcare issues impacting society,” she said. “I would like my career to be defined by service and compassion, not just medical expertise.”

When reflecting on the people who have influenced her journey, one person stands above all others.

“Without question, my mother is my biggest inspiration,” Raadha said. “She has always been my biggest cheerleader and supported every one of my ambitions with a passion matching my own.”

She credits her mother's unconditional support, compassion, and strength for helping shape the person she has become and hopes to continue making her proud as she embarks on the next stage of her education.

As she prepares to begin university, Raadha is excited by the opportunities ahead, including the chance to deepen her understanding of biology, collaborate with peers who share her interests, and continue growing both academically and personally.

Her advice to other students is simple but powerful:

“Take risks and pursue opportunities even if you feel scared. Let the fear exist and do it anyway.”

She added, “You will feel scared. You will feel absolutely terrified when new opportunities present themselves or when you think about taking a big leap. But those moments often lead to the greatest growth.”

We're invested in our community, which is why helping students like Raadha access the education they need to reach their full potential means so much to us. Through the William G. Davis Scholarship, FCT is proud to support the next generation of leaders who are committed to learning, serving their communities, and creating positive change for the future.