St. Mary Catholic Secondary School Student Named a 2021 Loran Scholar

The Durham Catholic District School Board is thrilled to share that Emmanuella Oladipo from St. Mary Catholic Secondary Schoolhas been named a 2021 Loran Scholar. 

This year, the Loran Scholars Foundation selected 30 exceptional young Canadians from a pool of 6,084 applicants who demonstrate a firm commitment to character, service and leadership potential; breadth in academic and extra-curricular interests; integrity; and a high level of personal autonomy.

In a time of immense change and challenge, the newly selected scholars have shown grit and resilience, finding ways to make the most of these extraordinary circumstances and meaningfully serve their communities.

Emmanuella co-leads the St. Mary BIPOC Unity group that runs year-round initiatives to unify and educate. She plays for her school rugby team, coordinates church youth group events, and balances work at Boston Pizza. Emmanuella established an open conversation initiative which included a 4-part talking series called “Let’s Talk” to shine light on minority voices and the issues facing their communities.

When Emmanuella was awarded the scholarship she reflected on it being,“The first step to realizing that I’m capable of so much more than I thought”.

She added, "A reminder that we are worthy of big things, and that we can keep doing the big things. Staying in the mindset of a scholar, a winner, will ultimately manifest into whatever it is that we are intended to do in this world”.

The Loran Award is Canada’s largest and most comprehensive four-year undergraduate award. What makes this award unique is that it is not a reward for past accomplishments, but an investment in a potential future path of high impact. Loran poses a lifelong challenge to its scholars to live outstanding lives of character and take on significant leadership roles, which will positively impact their communities, Canada, and the world around us. 

Loran Scholars receive a renewable four-year award comprising an annual living stipend and matching tuition waiver from one of the foundation’s 25 partner universities; funding for tri-sectoral summer work experiences (in enterprise, public policy, and community development); one-on-one mentorship; and the opportunity to connect with other high-potential youth through forums and scholar gatherings. Following their undergraduate studies, Loran Scholars are welcomed into an engaged alumni community, in which former scholars connect and collaborate through regional hubs and larger reunion events. 

Congratulations Emmanuella!