Our Scholars

Akutaq Williamson Bathory
Ralph M. Barford Loran Scholar - 2023
University of Calgary
Inuksuk High School
Iqaluit, Nunavut

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Akutaq is a short-track speed skater and coach, representing Nunavut at the Arctic and Canada Winter Games from 2019-2023. At school, Akutaq established a peer group to create an open and inclusive environment with a focus on self-care, suicide prevention, and youth mental wellness. She is fluent in Kalaallisut (Greenlandic) and is continuing to learn to read and write in Inuktitut, while practicing her culture by going out on the nuna (land) to hunt, berry pick, sew and fetch water at a cabin her family built from scratch. Close Bio

Alex Hawkins
Loran Scholar - 2023
University of Toronto
Rothesay High School
Rothesay, New Brunswick

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Alex has led youth softball as a provincial coordinator for two summers. She is a SHAD fellow and co-hosts a kids’ STEAM show titled b.Brilliant. She is her school’s yearbook editor, a lead of tech crew, softball team captain and a member of her graduating class’s executive committee. Alex also plays competitive softball and shift manages at a local pizzeria. Close Bio

Ana Theriault
Applebanks Loran Scholar - 2023
Dalhousie University
Fredericton Christian Academy
Fredericton, New Brunswick

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Ana founded a humanitarian and environmental committee at her school, participates in STEM programs, and mentors other students. She has organized community fundraisers and works at a toy store. Ana enjoys working with kids through roles she has held as a babysitter, at a Montessori preschool, and as a swim instructor at a YMCA camp. Close Bio

Anastasia-Lina Hamici
Loran Scholar - 2023
University of Toronto
École secondaire Étienne-Brűlé
Scarborough, Ontario

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As the Founder of a technical team and Captain of a robotics team, Anastasia strives to promote inclusivity by supporting girls who are passionate about STEM. She is also a member of a francophone association representing Franco-Ontarian students politically. As a tutor, she supports youth by teaching French, English, Mathematics and piano. She is also involved in clubs such as the volleyball team, the student council and the jazz orchestra. Close Bio

Banin Arjmand
Applebanks Loran Scholar - 2023
University of Saskatchewan
Nutana Collegiate
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

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Banin is an Afghan refugee who came to Canada in 2021. She organized her school’s Disruption Day: a presentation about Afghanistan, Afghan culture, and a message of hope. She coordinated a school fundraiser to advocate for and raise awareness of the struggles faced by Afghan women. Banin practices and coaches Wushu. She enjoys dancing, reading, and outdoor activities. Close Bio

Braydon Hunter
Loran Scholar - 2023
Queen's University
Riverview Rural High School
Sydney, Nova Scotia

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Braydon co-founded and leads the debate and film clubs at his school and partakes in student council activities including Interact Club. He volunteers as a mentor and tutor for youth in his community and is a swim team coach. Braydon is a trained dog handler and has a certification in animal CPR and first aid, and works in a pet supply store. Close Bio

Brynna Coogan
McCall MacBain Loran Scholar - 2023
University of British Columbia
Cowichan Secondary School
Duncan, British Columbia

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Brynna is the founder and leader of her school’s first environmental club. She coaches a community swim team and her high school's aquatics program. She is the captain of the senior girls' volleyball team. She is also an active member of her school’s leadership class as well as a section leader in the concert band. Close Bio

Burhanuddin Yamani
Dobson Loran Scholar - 2023
University of Alberta
École Mallaig Community School
Vilna, Alberta

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Burhanuddin has held executive positions in various school and community groups, including founding a Science Club for Grade 3 & 4 students. He has served on the Minister’s Youth Council for Alberta and volunteers at his mosque as a madrasa teacher and kitchen staff. Burhanuddin works as a basketball official and a pharmacy assistant, and has interned at a national engineering firm. Close Bio

Cadena Brazeau
BMO Capital Markets Loran Scholar - 2023
University of Calgary
Strathclair Community School
Keeseekoowenin First Nation, Manitoba

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Cadena/Niimi Miigwan is the Chairwoman of Keeseekoowenin's Youth Committee, a community representative for Treaty Two's Youth Council, and sits on her school student council. She has established her community's Youth Centre where she plans and hosts events, programs, and activities for the youth of Keeseekoowenin First Nation. Close Bio

Catherine Hu
McCall MacBain Loran Scholar - 2023
McGill University
Collège André-Grasset
Montréal, Québec

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Catherine is a member of the student association and the music club at her school. She is also on the board of directors of an organization helping schools adopt a more ecological approach and is President of the Student Council of her neighbourhood. She studied violin at the music conservatory of Montréal. Catherine participates in diverse political simulations and works for the Cabinet of the Minister of the Environment of Canada. Close Bio