www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, January 30, 2015 | 18 Student a finalist for $100,000 Loran scholarship by Abigail Cukier Special to the Beaver Calling Jenna D'Aurizio well-rounded is a bit of an understatement. The 17-year-old Abbey Park High School student organized her elementary school's intramural sports program; leads a 45-member business club; works part-time as an administrative assistant at BMO Nesbitt Burns; and has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters for four years. "It's all about doing what you enjoy. You can always find time to do the things you enjoy and what you are passionate about," said D'Aurizio, who clearly thinks her accomplishments are no big deal. The Loran Scholars Foundation thinks differently. The foundation is a national charity that partners with 25 universities and selects 30 graduating high school students as Loran Scholars on the basis of character, service and leadership potential. The rigorous selection process involves multiple rounds of interviews at the regional and national level. Loran Scholars receive Canada's largest and most comprehensive undergraduate award, valued at up to $100,000 over four years. They may pursue any field of study. The award includes a $9,000 annual stipend and a matching tuition waiver, a summer program with funding of up to $8,500, a week-long orientation in Algonquin Park, one-on-one mentorship and participation in the community of past and present scholars. This year, from 3,800 applicants, 30 will receive the scholarship. Loran applicants must be in their final year of full-time secondary school studies and have a minimum cumulative average of 85 per cent. But it is not just about grades, says Loran CEO Franca Gucciardi. "We focus on character. We spend a lot of time getting to know the candidates," she said. "Traits like integrity, compassion, leadership, willingness to take risks, grit and being engaged in their world are important. We support young people to grow into the leaders we all need them to be." Thirty-three committees in 22 cities across Canada select their top applicants for interviews. D'Aurizio was among 630 applicants in the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area. Eighty moved on to the regional stage and 13 will go to national selections in Toronto on Feb. 6 and 7. Finalists who attend national selections, but are not chosen as Loran Scholars, will receive $3,000. "Jenna was notable because of her wellroundedness. She is captain of her soccer team. She does cross-country running. She works part-time and volunteers," said Gucciardi. "There is a breadth to her involvement Jenna D'Aurizio and a level of commitment to excellence that came through. And a lovely modesty about it, too." D'Aurizio is also on her school's yearbook committee and is president of its DECA chapter, where students compete in business case-study competitions. She was a national science fair finalist for two years and wants to study science in university. She started tutoring for Halton Big Brothers Big Sisters in Grade 9. "I wanted to help and be a part of the support system for these students, many who have been identified as at-risk," she said. "It goes beyond tutoring. It is being a support and being a friend to these kids who need someone who is willing to be there once a week consistently." After her school nominated D'Aurizio for the scholarship, she completed an application and essay. At regional selections, she had two one-on-one interviews and two group interviews. "I was really nervous, but the other applicants were great to talk to and the interviewers just wanted to get to know you. It was such a great experience and meeting the other students inspired me to keep doing what I do and follow my passion." D'Aurizio says she was "absolutely shocked" when she learned she was a national finalist. She will have two days of interviews and find out the results the following day. "I am just going to have fun with the experience," she said. "I will get to meet amazing students from across the country. I am just going to enjoy the moment and the opportunity that has been given to me." THE ANSWER FOR TRUE DIVERSIFICATION MAY BE IN YOUR BACKYARD A world-class asset manager--based in Oakville--Acorn invests over $100 million on behalf of institutions and accredited investors seeking true diversification to achieve better portfolio returns and risk reduction. Let Acorn help you diversify your portfolio. Contact us to find out how at acorn.ca or 905-257-0773