Alexandra Schwabe wins prestigious Loran Award

The Rainbow District School Board’s student trustee has won a prestigious Loran Award. Alexandra Schwabe will receive up to $75,000 to pursue her postsecondary studies when she graduates from Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Program in June.

“On behalf of the Rainbow District School Board, I would like to commend Alexandra Schwabe for her outstanding achievement,” said Board Chair Judy Hunda. “Alexandra is an ideal candidate for a Loran Award. She exemplifies a firm commitment to character, service and leadership. She excels academically and participates in many extra-curricular activities. She is a self-directed individual who has the discipline and determination to achieve her goals. We are proud of Alexandra and certainly wish her the best as she pursues her postsecondary education as a Loran Scholar.”

In addition to being the Rainbow District School Board’s student trustee for 2008-2009 and a Grade 12 student in the IB program, Alexandra Schwabe is a member of the Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School girls’ senior basketball team and rowing crew. She is also a member of the Empowered Student Partnerships club and has been a delegate in the Model United Nations Symposium in Montreal for the past two years. One of her proudest accomplishments has been starting the IB Peer Tutoring Program with another student.  Each Grade 11 IB student is paired with a Grade 12 IB student to help with studies.

Alexandra Schwabe is also active beyond school life. She worked as a Sunday school teacher in her church and was a Legislative Page at Queen’s Park in 2005.

“Becoming a Loran Scholar is a huge honour that opens many doors for me,” said Schwabe. “I plan to pursue studies in International Relations and Political Science. With this award, I am now able to consider all Canadian universities, including Mount Allison in New Brunswick and the University of British Columbia.” She added: “I’m very thankful to my family and school for their support during this process. This is an incredible opportunity and I am grateful for having been selected.”

Alexandra Schwabe is one of 30 students from across Canada to receive a Loran Award. The Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation grants Loran Awards to talented young Canadians on the basis of character, service and leadership potential. A Loran Award includes four years of funding for undergraduate studies and a comprehensive enrichment and mentoring program.

“The Loran Award also includes summer experiences volunteering abroad and working in public policy,” said Schwabe. “These will be amazing opportunities to help different communities while also learning about new cultures and gaining experience for my career.” Alexandra Schwabe aspires to work in foreign affairs at a Canadian Embassy abroad.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,

Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,

Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.