Dhanishta Ambwani, a Grade 12 student at Leo Hayes High School, is one of two students in New Brunswick and one of 36 in Canada to be named among the 2020 class of Loran Scholars.
The Loran Award is Canada's largest and most comprehensive four-year undergraduate award and includes a $100,000 scholarship.
The award is granted to young Canadians on the basis of character, community service, leadership potential, academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, integrity and a high level of personal autonomy.
In addition to the scholarship, the Loran program offers mentorship opportunities and connects award winners with other high-potential youth through scholar gatherings. Following their undergraduate studies, Loran Scholars are welcomed into an engaged alumni community.
Among her credentials, Ambwani founded and leads the Youth for Youth Art Collective in her community. The collective’s mission is to create and empower a community of youth artists. She also leads her school’s Model UN club and initiatives to provide free menstrual products and meals to those in need. She volunteers actively at the local hospital and was a student intern at NB Power.
Founded in Toronto in 1988, the Loran Scholars Foundation is a national charitable organization awarding scholarships for students entering university in Canada. This year's Loran Scholars were selected from over 5,100 applications from across the country following a two-day interview process.
After graduation in June 2020, Ambwani will be attending a Canadian university to pursue post-secondary studies in a field of her choice.
Photo Courtesy of Eric Choi of Edge Imaging.