London high school student in the running for prestigious Loran Award

A London Thames Valley District School Board student trustee was nominated for a prestigious national scholarship. Lauren Stallone explains.

In just a few weeks one high school student from London could win a life changing award.

“The Loran Award is basically the only of its type in Canada,” said Anushka Bist, a 2026 Loran finalist.

The Loran Award, offered by the Loran Scholars Foundation, provides up to $100,000 over four years to support students in post secondary education.

“For me it would mean to be able to broaden my horizons and look at many different ways that I can give back to the country that I am in and contribute to that community while simultaneously learning from it,” said Bist.

The 17-year-old moved to Canada from Dubai in 2020.

Since then, her impact on the community has been huge.

“I decided to start Care for Kids London which is a non-profit chapter that looks to foster community within our card making workshop,” said Bist.

She says all the cards are donated to the Children’s Health Foundation and distributed to pediatric care facilities in London.

“Research has shown that creativity is a good coping mechanism for the distress those children are under,” said Bist.

Bist says although she is passionate about fostering community, she is also interested in politics.

“I write for this youth led initiative,” said Bist. “Which focuses on increasing civic literacy and by extension the civic participation of women and other underrepresented groups.”

She says if she were to receive the scholarship it would help jumpstart her future.

“I’m looking to go to law school so this community would be a lovely place for me to start off and look at how I can hopefully use my law degree to give back to the country,” said Bist.

Recipients of the award will take part in a leadership enrichment program including one-on-one mentorship and summer work experiences.