A student at Espanola High School is anxious for the new year to arrive with news that may change his life.
Punya Pandey, a Grade 12 student, has made the semi-finalist list for a Loran Award.
According to the release, the scholarship provides more than $100,000 over four years, summer jobs, mentorship, and a focus on becoming a leader of tomorrow.
Pandey says getting the scholarship would not only cover the costs of his post-secondary education, it would also provide a network and open the door to future careers possibilities.
The Loran Scholars Foundation is now reviewing the semi-finalists and will make their final decisions in late February.
The foundation receives thousands of applications, short-lists to around 250 applicants, but only 36 youth will be chosen for the premier award.
Those students who win will be able to apply it at one of 25 Canadian partner universities.
According to the foundation website, in addition to the Loran Award, it also grants Finalist Awards, Provincial and Territorial Awards, honours citations and semi-finalist certificates. There are up to 54 finalist awards per year of $6,000 each and up to 70 provincial and territorial awards of $2,000 each. Honour citations are issued to students who distinguish themselves at semi-final interviews but are not offered any of the financial awards, and semi-finalist certificates are issued to students who are selected for the semi-final interview, who don’t fall under any of the previous categories.
