The future looks bright for upcoming Cowichan Secondary School graduate Brynna Coogan who has been named a 2023 Loran Scholar.
“I am so incredibly honoured to be a Loran Scholar. When I applied in October I never thought I would make it this far,” said Coogan. “Becoming a Scholar means joining a community of people who inspire me to take action and show up for my community every day, and for that I am so grateful. I am excited for the opportunities the next four years will bring, to not only serve my communities and take on leadership roles, but also to grow intrinsically through the experiences Loran brings.”
In 2023, out of an impressive pool of 4,800 applicants, the Loran Scholars Foundation selected 36 exceptional high-potential youth who demonstrated their drive to step up in the face of challenges and make positive change in their communities across the country. Coogan is very driven, to say the least: not only is she the founder and leader of Cowichan Secondary School’s first environmental club, she also coaches a community swim team and her high school’s aquatics program. Coogan is also the captain of the senior girls’ volleyball team, as well as an active member of her school’s leadership class and a section leader in her school’s concert band.
“We are incredibly proud of Brynna for being selected as a Loran Scholar,” said Cathy Schmidt, chair of the board of education for the Cowichan Valley School District. “Through this opportunity, the impact we have felt in our district through Brynna’s work can be shared across the country.”
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“Since its inception 34 years ago, the Loran Scholars Foundation has provided more than $62 million in undergraduate awards to over 3,200 promising high school and Cégep students including 757 Loran Scholars,” said Roxy Rae, community engagement and communications officer.
The award Coogan received has a value of more than $100,000 which will go towards her four-year undergraduate studies. This award is so much more than financial aid and will also consist of summer work experiences, mentorship, scholar gatherings, an annual living stipend, and a tuition waiver at one of 25 university partners.
“This award will not only help me afford my post secondary education but also open the door for me to work in varying fields over the summers, completing internships in community development, public policy, and enterprise,” said Coogan. “I will be studying Science and Philosophy at the University of British Columbia for my bachelor’s degree, and plan to continue serving my communities by staying actively involved in clubs, councils and projects within my university and in the surrounding community. Ultimately I hope to work in environmental policy, and help to make the transition to more environmentaly concious living one that empowers and improves Canadian communities.”
chadd.cawson@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
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