Two Saskatoon teens receive $100,000 Loran Award

Joti Gokaraju from Walter Murray Collegiate and Shravya Verma from Aden Bowman Collegiate Institute are among the 36 students chosen for their outstanding character, commitment to service, and leadership potential.(Photo: loranscholar.ca).

Two students from Saskatoon are among the 2025 Loran Award recipients, beating out over 6,000 applicants from across Canada.

Joti Gokaraju from Walter Murray Collegiate and Shravya Verma from Aden Bowman Collegiate Institute are among the 36 students chosen for their outstanding character, commitment to service, and leadership potential.

The scholarship, valued at over $100,000, is offered in partnership between the Loran Scholars Foundation and 25 Canadian universities.

“Loran scholars benefit from a four-year, leadership-enrichment program, diverse opportunities for experiential learning, financial support throughout undergraduate studies, and a network of values-driven peers and mentors — unlike anything else in this country,” the Loran Scholars Foundation said in a news release.

“My community has given me so much, now, I am motivated to give back to that community and help make the world a better place,” said Gokaraju, who is a debate club co-coach and volunteer youth prayer chanter.

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Gokaraju plans to pursue engineering in university.

“Engineering offers solutions to the world’s problems. I want to use my passion for engineering to develop technology that improves the quality of life for all,” Gokaraju said.

Verma says she helped co-found and open a Saskatoon branch of the ARTex coding society, where she works with the YMCA to offer free coding programs to youth. She also started an immigrant cycling initiative and helped host an online youth mentor conference.

“I am passionate about giving back, tackling complex challenges, and working to create lasting change in my community,” Verma said.

Verma also plans to study engineering at the University of British Columbia.

“Engineering is the intersection of creativity and problem-solving. I am excited for the challenge of transforming ideas into tangible solutions through innovation, design, and collaboration to create meaningful change in society,” Verma Said.

She says becoming a Loran Award recipient holds deep meaning for her.

“To me, [it] means striving to uphold values of leadership, integrity, and service while making a meaningful impact in my community. This opportunity is not only a recognition of past efforts, but a responsibility to continue learning, growing and leading,” she said.

Both scholars will begin their university journeys in September.

The Loran Award recognizes students who demonstrate a strong sense of purpose and values-driven approach to leading and making a positive impact in their communities. Last year, two students from Saskatoon also earned the award.