Manitoulin Island student wins scholarship award worth more than $100k

Grade 12 student Jocelyn Kuntsi of Manitoulin Secondary School has been name to the 2023 Class of Loran Scholars. (Image courtesy of Rainbow District School Board)

A grade 12 student from Manitoulin Secondary School is the Rainbow District School Board’s (RDSB) newest Loran Scholar.

Jocelyn Kuntsi, who is co-chair of the board’s student senate and a student trustee with RDSB, is one of 36 students from across Canada to earn a 2023 Loran Avard.

Founded in 1988, the Loran Award is a four-year enrichment program, offering an annual living stipend, summer work experiences, mentorships, scholar gatherings and a tuition waiver at one of 25 university partners. It is the largest undergraduate merit scholarship in Canada. The Loran Scholars Foundation has provided more than $62 million in awards assisting 3,200 promising secondary students.

“On behalf of Rainbow District School Board, I would like to congratulate Jocelyn Kuntsi on being selected as a Loran Scholar,” said RDSB chair Bob Clement.

“Student Trustee Kuntsi has earned this honour on the basis of her character, service and leadership potential. She continues to make us proud.”

“It’s quite an accomplishment to be selected from 4,800 applicants from across Canada,” said Bruce Bourget, the board’s director of education.

“It’s equally as impressive to have earned a scholarship with a value of more than $100,000 for post-secondary studies.”

“In selecting Loran Scholars, we look beyond marks to find students who show strength of character, a commitment to service, and the promise of leadership to ultimately identify and nurture the young people that have the capacity to become Canada’s next generation of values-driven leaders,” said Meghan Moore, CEO of the Loran Scholars Foundation.

“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 certainly not Kuntsi first academic honor or scholastic accomplishment, she recently received the Youth Achievement Award from Ontario Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell.

In 2022, Kuntsi attended the Shad Canada program receiving the Hank Williams Memorial Award.

“Jocelyn excels academically and participates in many extra-curricular activities, often in a leadership capacity,” said Manitoulin Secondary School Principal David Wiwchar.

“We could not be prouder of Jocelyn for her accomplishments. She is most deserving of a Loran Award and we wish her continued success in her post-secondary journey.”

“She believes the key to success is giving students a reason to want to be at school, whether it’s through the curriculum, friends, sports, the arts or other extra-curricular activities, including leadership opportunities,” said RDSB in a news release Thursday.

“We are so pleased to celebrate this tremendous success,” said Bourget.

Kuntsi often leads by example and if actively involved with both her school and community.

She is captain of the Manitoulin Metal Robotics team and among those heading the green movement within the FIRST Robotics community.

“When students are part of shaping the school culture, they can create events and clubs that make them feel invested in their school and, therefore, in their own education,” said Kuntsi.

She organized a 64km water walk in support of environmental stewardship and sustainability on Manitoulin Island in 2019 and actively participates in shoreline restoration with M’Chigeeng First Nation.

Kuntsi is also a beekeeper and an astronomer at an eco-park.

“I am truly grateful for this honour,” said Kuntsi.

“Getting to be part of the Loran Scholar community will enable me to make the most of my post-secondary experience… I also hope to learn more about STEM industries.”

After graduating from Manitoulin Secondary School this year, Kuntsi said she plans to pursue studies in engineering at McMaster University or the University of Waterloo.

The complete list of 2023 Loran Scholars can be found here.