A Neepawa high school student is one of 35 students to receive the Loran Award.
Kailyn Hanke, who attends Neepawa Area Collegiate, was awarded a $100,000 scholarship.
“A little bit of shock. I wasn’t really expecting it. Especially after meeting everybody there because everybody was just so nice and they had done so much. I felt really honoured.”
Hanke recently flew to Toronto, on the 1st and 2nd of February, for national interviews.
“They mostly just ask about your application. We also had to do an online questionnaire before we went. And a lot of the other questions were just kind of to get to know the person more on a personal level than you can from an application on paper.” She continues, “it was very nerve-racking. It was a very good experience to have.”
So, why did the committee choose Kailyn? “That’s actually something I’ve been wondering myself! Because I’m really not sure. Everybody else I talked to there were super humble, very down to earth, and very kind. In addition to all they’ve done with their academics and volunteering and what not. So, honestly, I’m not too sure."
Kailyn doesn’t know where she’s going to go after school ends. “I’m not really sure. I’ve applied to Guelph, Dalhousie, and McGill so far. And I don’t really have a front runner right now. But I just know that I kind of want to get out and go to a new place and go to school there.” She has applied to agricultural and environmental sciences, but is looking forward to first year.
She is involved in a lot of school activities including student council. She plays volleyball, soccer, basketball. She is also part of her school's social justice group and is a peer tutor.
