Richmond student Leilani Pearson has been named as a recipient of the prestigious Loran Scholarship.
The 17-year-old from Hugh Boyd secondary was chosen as one of one of 36 students awarded for Canada's largest and most comprehensive four-year undergraduate scholarship, given for character, service and leadership.
Pearson is now dreaming of studying at the likes of Queens or McGill universities, something she couldn’t contemplate with being a Loran Scholar.
“I’m not sure where I’m going to get into. I’d really like to study biology, maybe some research around environmental studies, as I’ve always been interested in how the world works,” Leilani told the Richmond News.
“I’ve always had a connection to science.”
Leilani added that “she’s a bit nervous” about potentially studying and living away from home as she’s never been away from her family for long periods of time.
She was chosen for the award, in part, due to the amazing volunteer work she carries out at her school.
Every Tuesday and Wednesday, Leilani is part of a small group of students who offer free after-school tuition for anyone who needs it.
She’s also a school “first responder,” whereby she’s on a rotation to provide first aid, as Hugh Boyd doesn’t have a nurse on the grounds.
And Leilani recently started up a Breakfast Club at the school, which runs every Wednesday and Thursday.
“We realized that not everyone can afford breakfast, or they don’t have the time,” she added.
“It affects your entire day at school. We get help from the food bank, a little money from the school budget and some people make a donation for breakfast.”
More than 5,000 students applied this year for the scholarship, with the top 88 finalists travelling to Toronto for national selections in January.
The Loran Award is comprised of an annual living stipend and matching tuition waiver from one of the foundation’s 25 partner universities; tri-sectoral summer internships funding (enterprise, public policy, and community development); one-on-one mentorship; and the opportunity to connect with other high-potential youth through scholar gatherings.
