$100K scholarship leaves North Battleford student 'speechless'

A second student from Saskatchewan has earned the prestigious title of Loran scholar.

"I was speechless, and I'm never speechless," said Emily Simon, a Grade 12 student atNorthBattleford'sJohn Paul II Collegiate, said. "It was very moving for me, and very exciting."

Thirty-fiveGrade 12 students from across the country werechosen as Loran scholars this year from a pool of more than5,000 applicants.

Loran Scholars receive $100,000 in funding over a four-year undergraduate degree.Winners are selected based on their character, service and leadership, according to Loran'swebsite.

Simon said being selected was a surreal feeling.

She said her family was shocked and ecstatic to hear the news.

Chan-Min Roh, from Regina's Luther College High School, was also selected.

Long service record

Simon has a history of service in her community.

Simon said she has been volunteering since elementary school.

"I've had service in my resume from a young age," Simon said. "I coach skating.I have lots of jobs it seems like."

She started a non-profit business venture that does spring cleanups around town two years ago. After her staff are paid and overhead costs are covered, all remaining money is donated to charity.

The business has raised $9,000 for different organizations throughout Canada, according to Simon.

Simon said her long-term plan is to become a teacher, but first she wants to get two degrees by the time she finishes university.

"If I went to the [University of Alberta] I would get a degree in science and then my degree in education," Simon said.

"If I went to the University of New Brunswick, I would do a degree in with a course called leadership study and then go onto education."

She said winning a Loran Scholarship opened up the opportunity to go to school further away.