Saskatoon whiz kid wins Duke of Edinburgh Award and is off to the U.K.

He's only in Grade 10, but Saskatoon high school student Harkirat Bhullar is already known as an up-and-coming advocate for newcomers to Canada, and young people with autism. 

Now Bhullar is Duke of Edinburgh International Award Winner.

"I'm always looking forward to learning about new cultures and new countries," he told CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning.

The prize is a trip to the U.K. to join with other selected Duke of Edinburgh winners for a week. The award "equips young people for life and work," according to its website.

Bhullar is excited about the sites he'll be able to tour but believes the social aspects of the time in the U.K. will be more memorable.

"It's about the people you meet and the experiences you have with them."

Business leader foots the bill 

The trip is being financed by Alex Fallon, the CEO and president of the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority.

Fallon himself moved from Saskatoon to the U.K. at an early age, a difficult experience as he recalled, but one that helped shape him as a person.  

"Now that I'm back in Saskatoon it's great to be able to help others get that opportunity as well," Fallon said.

Bhullar's resume already well padded 

It's no surprise that Bhullar would be chosen for this award. He runs a program at Evan Hardy Collegiate that matches established students to newcomers. He also organized a talent search for young people with autism, and is involved with university level research to develop diagnostic tools for autism.

A newcomer himself not that long ago, Bhullar credits the community with making him feel welcome in Saskatoon and it's what drives him to do the same for others.  

"Now that I have opportunity and I have the place to make sure that others are feeling the same way I think it just means a whole to them and to me."

Fallon's parting advice, as Bhullar gets set to head overseas, "enjoy it, learn from it, and practice your leadership skills."