Clayton Heights, Princess Margaret students named 2024 Loran Scholars
In a first for Surrey Schools, not one but two Grade 12 students have been selected as recipients of this year’s Loran Scholars scholarship, beating out more than 5,000 applicants nationwide.
Aamna Mushtaq of Princess Margaret Secondary and Ashley Sabharwal of Clayton Heights Secondary are among 36 winners of the prestigious $100,000 scholarship, awarded to students based on their character, service and promise of leadership. While the district has had multiple students shortlisted in the past, this is the first year in which two students made the final cut.
“Being a 2024 scholar is meaningful to me because it gives me the opportunity to continue to challenge the status quo and strive to promote equity,” said Mushtaq, plans to use the scholarship towards a bachelor's degree in computer science at UBC. “Through their mentorship and summer work experiences, the program will help me enhance my skills further and will open the door to more opportunities to uplift others in my community and around the world.”
Mushtaq is a co-founder of PM’s social justice club and founder of the Dignity Project, an awareness campaign to destigmatize homelessness. Additionally, she serves as a member of the Youth Events Squad with the City of Surrey, dedicating her time to organizing community events.
Sabharwal is a founder of Clayton Heights’ school service club, Project Equal, which has previously gathered donations for Turkey and Syria earthquake relief and hosted events for Earth Day. He’s also taken on a number of eco-friendly initiatives, including starting the school’s Green Team environmental club, launching a seed library to empower community members to grow food, organized weekly litter clean-ups and food pantries, and mentored enthusiastic gardeners.
Mushtaq and Sabharwal join a growing list of Loran Scholars from Surrey Schools, including these from recent years:
- 2023: Muhaddisa Sarwari, Fraser Heights Secondary
- 2022: Tin Dao, Queen Elizabeth Secondary
- 2021: Chidi Okarah, École Panorama Ridge Secondary
- 2020: Govind Deol, L.A. Matheson Secondary
The scholarships are comprised of an annual stipend and tuition waiver from 25 partner universities, one-on-one mentorship, up to $14,000 in funding for summer work experiences, annual retreats and membership in a community of values-driven individuals.
Congratulations, Aamna and Ashley, on being named 2024 Loran Scholars!