Jocelyn Kuntsi one of a handful of graduating students receiving $100,000 scholarship
by Tom Sasvari
MANITOWANING—Jocelyn Kuntsi, a resident of Manitowaning who attends Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) has been selected as one of 36 exceptional youth from across Canada who has been named a 2023 Loran Scholar by the Loran Scholars Foundation!
“I feel really honoured to have been chosen,” stated Jocelyn. “But it hasn’t sunk in yet, and I tear up when I start talking or thinking about it. It is important for our community, Manitoulin Island, for others like me to realize that if you apply and do your best you can do this as well.”
“When I first applied I said ‘I’m from a small community, I won’t get selected for this,’” said Jocelyn. “One thing I definitely learned through this whole process is how much I love my community and how much everyone has always supported me in everything I’ve done. I am so fortunate to be here on Manitoulin and to have grown up here.”
“Jocelyn is a very amazing individual,” stated Roxy Rae, community engagement and communications officer with the Loran Scholars Foundation told The Expositor. “I really don’t know how the judges selected the 36 scholars from the 90 they had to review in the final stage. They are all such inspiring individuals.”
“We are pleased to share that Jocelyn Kuntsi has been selected as a 2023 Loran Scholar, joining a cohort of 36 out of nearly 4,800 applicants from across Canada, each earning a Loran Award,” a release explains. “The Loran Scholars Foundation looks beyond conventional measures like grades and rankings to find strength of character and the promise of leadership, to ultimately define and nurture the young people who can become Canada’s next generation of values-driven leaders.”
“Jocelyn is captain of the MSS Manitoulin Metal Robotics, leading the environmental movement in the FIRST Robotics community. She serves as a school board student trustee, student senate chair, and works as a lead astronomer at an eco-park. Jocelyn received a Youth Achievement Award as part of the Lieutenant Governors’ Ontario Heritage Awards. She is a Shad alumni, beekeeper and Haweater and continues to make time for music and theatre.”
“The pursuits and accomplishments of the 36 newest recipients of the Loran Award are exemplary, but it is their values driven approach to uplifting their communities that distinguish them as Loran Scholars,” said Ms. Rae. “We know that such promising young people have the power to change the future for the better, they just need a launchpad and opportunities to grow. This is precisely what we offer Loran Scholars; an enrichment program of leadership development and diverse learning experiences that equip them to create positive change over the course of their lifetime. The Loran Award consists of summer work experiences, mentorships, scholar gatherings, an annual living stipend, and a tuition waiver at one of 25 university partners.”
“Jocelyn was very excited about joining the Loran community,” said Ms. Rae, noting that about 4,800 candidates had been selected at the beginning of the process.
As the newest recipients of the Loran Award these students participated in an in-depth, nationwide selection process carried out through the work of hundreds of volunteer assessors and interviewers.
“Loran Scholars benefit from a four-year, comprehensive leadership-enrichment program, tuition waivers and financial support, and a network of values-driven peers and mentors, unlike anything else offered in this country,” said Ms. Rae. “We give exceptional young people a launchpad to unlock their potential and empower them to make positive change in their communities.”
From writing an application to attending national interviews in Toronto, the entire Loran selection process is a personal growth experience, in itself-a chance for the students to reflect, learn about themselves, and connect with other passionate and optimistic young changemakers. “In addition to the four-year Loran Award granted to 36 students, we also recognize and provide one-time entrance awards to 54 Loran Finalists who made it to Nationals and 60 students recognized as Loran provincial and territorial award recipients at the semi-final level. Overall, we will be investing close to $4 million in 150 students across Canada this year.”
Jocelyn, who is going to take engineering in college, is still undecided what university she will attend. “That is a good question. I don’t know yet, but I have it narrowed down to McMaster or Waterloo.”
“Along with tuition (sponsored by the school), there is residency and a meal plan provided,” said Ms. Kuntsi. “And after our first year we can apply for funding for individual work or to volunteer. There is also a retreat each year for the 36 scholars in the summer and a retreat every year for the four years learning about things like financial literacy and entering the workforce. And we each have a mentor, who has been a scholar. There are lots of opportunities. I am really excited about all of this.”
“One thing that I truly appreciate is that they make it clear they are here to support you from a financial, learning and growth aspect, and they just want us to be the best we can be,” said Jocelyn.
“The 90 people (who made it to the finals of the Loran Scholar process) are all amazing,” stated Jocelyn. “I was sitting at the table with these people and every person was an amazing person, super passionate about what they do, and care about their community. At our interview sessions I met these amazing people from every province in the country. It is after meeting and talking to all these amazing people that the imposter syndrome set in with me,” she quipped. “I was asking myself how I could be part of this group of amazing people.”
Since its inception 34 years ago the Loran Scholars Foundation has provided more than $62 million in undergraduate awards to 3,200 plus promising high school and Cegep students including 757 Loran Scholars.
