A student from Cloverdale has been named a Loran Scholar.
Ashley Sabharwal, a Grade 12 student from Clayton Heights Secondary, was selected as one of two Surrey students from among more than 5,000 applicants across the country (the other being Princess Margaret Secondary’s Aamna Mushtaq).
Sabharwal started two clubs at Clayton Heights: Project Equal, a service club, and Green Team, an environmental club.
Tamara Jones, communications coordinator for Loran noted in an email to Black Press Media, that Sabharwal “co-founded a community association, which also launched a seed library, fostering interconnectedness in his neighbourhood and empowering people to grow food for free and help heal their urban ecosystem.”
Sabharwal has also been involved in helping run local food pantries.
“He has mentored other young, enthusiastic gardeners, and represented youth on a grant committee, funding a secondary school writing contest,” Jones added.
According to a press release form the Loran Scholars Foundation, in order to win a Loran scholarship, students must take part in a rigorous selection process. “From writing an application to regional semi-final interviews to attending national interviews in Toronto, the entire Loran selection process is a personal growth experience—a chance for the students to learn about themselves and connect with other optimistic young changemakers.”
Loran noted it “looks beyond” academic achievement to identify students with “a guiding sense of purpose.” They look for graduating highs school students who demonstrate strength of character, commitment to service, and leadership potential.
“The Loran Scholars Foundation believes the key to building a brighter future is empowering values-driven youth ready to embrace the challenge of leaving the world better than they found it.”
The Loran Scholars Foundation has given away more than $66 million to more than 3,4000 students over the past 35 years, including to 796 Loran Scholars.
Loran Scholarships are available to all graduating high school students across Canada.
For more info, visit loranscholar.ca.