CANMORE – A former student from Canmore was recently selected to become part of the Loran scholar family, a prestigious scholarship valued at $100,000 over four years.
“I feel extremely grateful,” said Kim Lefort, who is currently in the middle of exams at the United World Colleges (UWC) Atlantic College in the U.K.
“I feel so honoured to be part of the ‘Loran family’ and will do my best to upholds its values.”
Originally a École Notre-Dame-des-Monts student, the teen was announced as a Loran scholar finalist earlier this year due to her passionate activist work in Canada and the U.K., which included leading a feminist club and organizing a peace march.
“Don’t be afraid to try. In the beginning, I wasn’t even going to apply because I had no self-confidence, but my parents and guidance counsellor encouraged me and now I am a Loran scholar,” Lefort said.
Now part of the Loran “family,” the teen is one of the 35 chosen out of the 5,089 applicants. The award is valued at $100,000 over four years which includes mentorship, funding for summer internships and participation in an extensive network
But it is more than “just a big cheque” for Lefort.
“[It] means to be part of an organization where there’s a network of motivated people that support and encourage each other to help out communities,” Lefort said.
“I will feel more financially secure, that’s for sure ... [but] it’s also a four-year commitment and leadership development program.”
Lefort will also have to plan a 12-week internship over three summers and work in enterprise, public policy or a community development project, which she is “excited about.”
“I get to join a community of diverse youth leaders from all around the country that are passionate about social-change and helping others. So Loran is giving me the support, through social networks and financing – and connections to put forward my ideas and act upon them,” Lefort said.
When asked what advice she would give to the next generation applying for scholarships, Lefort said to “be yourself.”
“The application and interviews is all about talking about your passions and aspirations and as long as you are being truthful then interviewers will make the decision that is best for you.”
