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Fort McMurray student receives $100,000 Loran Award
By Fort McMurray resident Tanisha Kadia is one of 30 students across Canada claiming the 2021 Loran Scholar title and will receive a $100,000 scholarship.
Founded in 1988, the Loran Scholars Foundation was the first national organization in Canada to grant undergraduate awards based on a mix of academic achievement, extracurricular activity and leadership potential.
The announcement came today from the Foundation after stating it had reviewed 6,084 applications. It further held virtual semi-final events with candidates across the country.
“At Loran, we believe that a young person’s character is a better indicator of overall potential than standard academic measures. We also believe that compassion, the courage of conviction, and dedication to the community are essential for a better future. The 2021 class of Loran Scholars represents those very qualities — and together with our partners, we invest in their potential to grow into leaders of integrity,” as stated in its release.
The Loran Scholar Class of 2021
With almost thirty students chosen to be a part of the 32nd cohort, Kadia is one of two selected in Alberta, with the other scholar residing in Edmonton.
“I’m feeling much gratitude right now, and I have never felt so grateful for all the people in my life who have helped me, my parents, educators, community leaders. I hope I can one day give back half of what they have given to me,” said Kadia in a phone interview.
Since the early beginnings as an École McTavish Public High School student, Kadia has been making her way through education and extracurricular activities by placing herself on many platforms. She’s also been an active member in the community, volunteering with the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre, and most recently, with the Wood Buffalo Regional Library.
For the next four years, Kadia will remain within the cohort and receive a vast amount of educational opportunities to take part in to help her develop growth and knowledge. It additionally includes summer internship experiences, one-on-one mentorship and annual retreats with her cohort, along with her scholarship funding.
With graduation from École McTavish Public High School soon approaching, she said she is looking forward to the cohort opportunities as the Foundation provides investment into each member’s future.
“Loran is very unique. They don’t just hand over a cheque. They really invest in your long-term potential. They really want to see the members grow and learn every day,” she explained.
The next step for the Foundation is to provide mentorship to the 2021 Class on deciding which university to attend.
Tanisha Kadia. Photo by Dawn Booth
With acceptance from the University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto and the University of Alberta for their neuroscience programs, Kadia has many options across the country. She also plans to further her studies in politics and literature with the ultimate goal of a career in medicine or public health.
“They are encouraging us to take meaningful risks and valuable decisions as they believe in investing in tomorrow’s leaders. Their three main pillars are character, service and leadership,” Kadia said. “I’m so fortunate to get this opportunity and to take everything I learn and create more opportunities for other young people.”
Kadia is YMM Parent’s first student writer and has been on its editorial team since the fall of 2019 after her stories debuted in the publication’s Top 20 Under 20 program, which provides mentorship opportunities for youth on the General Assembly of the MACOY (Mayor’s Advisory Council on Youth).
In January 2021, Kadia launched a new story feature series to acknowledge the multitude of cultures found within the Wood Buffalo region. Read more about the Voices of YMM series online.
