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J.V. Humphries student earns $100,000 Loran Scholarship

Nelson Daily Staff
By Nelson Daily Staff
February 19th, 2018

A J.V. Humphries student from Kaslo is $100,000 richer after being selected as a recipient of a Loran Scholarship.

Grade 12 student, Jesalyn Tremblay is one of 34 winners of the award in Canada to be used for undergraduate studies.

“At the exact moment I found out, I was honestly speechless,” Tremblay told The Nelson Daily.

“I was so overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude that I didn’t even know what I should be thinking or saying.”

“You rarely hear about people winning from this area, so (to me) it was such an honor,” Tremblay, born and raised in Meadow Creek, added.

“I was prepared either way for the results as I felt I had already won with the experience I had been given with Nationals (no words can describe the experience and how amazing it was).”

The Loran Scholars Foundation is a national charity that partners with 25 universities to invest in young Canadians who demonstrate character, service and leadership potential.

The Loran Award, valued at $100,000 over four years, comprises a $10,000 annual stipend and a matching tuition waiver (unique in Canada), up to $10,000 in funding for summer internships, a weeklong orientation expedition in Algonquin Park in Ontario, one-on-one mentorship and participation in the community of past and present scholars.

Tremblay was in the Calgary Airport when the news arrived.

She had been hampered with flight delays and was sitting waiting on the bench waiting for her next flight when the phone rang.

Tremblay said as a Loran finalist, she was asked to give a good time to receive a call from staff. However, she planned to be with her parents in Kelowna to share the news together.

“Well… There’s not much to say… Other then, congratulations, you’re a Loran Scholar!” Tremblay relaying the conversation with Heather Spratt, a Loran staff member.

“I went completely white  . . . airport security actually came to check on me and see if I needed help . . ..”

“I realized that things could go either way and had set myself up for both answers, but it still took me completely off guard when I found out,” she added.

Tremblay, heading to Algonquin Park this summer with all of the other new Loran Scholars, plans to attend Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, based in St. John’s in the fall to obtain a Bachelor of Law and Society.

The goal is to continue on to attend law school somewhere in BC with hopes of practicing in Human and Civil Rights — more accurately, rural patient advocacy.

The Loran Award makes that road a little easier to travel, financially.

“This award changes everything,” she said.

“Thanks to the Loran Scholars Foundation, I will be able to see and do things that were only dreams to me. For example, I will have the opportunity to attend University in Newfoundland (Memorial) and be able to afford it (and) I will be able to see and experience other parts of Canada (and the world for that matter).”

Of course, to achieve an honour like this, Tremblay was quick to note the importance of family and friends in Kaslo and Meadow Creek.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank Meleana Terlingen for pushing me to apply for this award . . . without her, this would not be possible,” the daughter of Marlaine and Martin Tremblay said.

“I would like to acknowledge my late grandparents — Don and Bunny — they are the inspiration for why I want to be a rural patient advocate.”

Tremblay also paid tribute to Greg Munby, Rielle Oswald, Audrey Bisset and staff at J.V. Humphries for inspiring her to reach for greater things in my music career as well as everyone for their support and for giving her the opportunity to volunteer in my community.

“These people will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

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