North Surrey Secondary student wins sewing scholarship award

Jacob Tran (centre) with teacher Jordana Kokoszka (left) and his new sewing machine. (Image: Surrey Schools)
A Grade 11 student at North Surrey Secondary has been named one of the winners of this year’s Sew Fun(D) scholarship award, taking home a Janome Sewist 740 sewing machine valued at over $1,000.

Fashion and textiles student Jacob Tran was recently presented with his new machine by Our Social Fabric a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing textile waste. The organization created the Sew Fun(D) award to encourage Lower Mainland youth to get involved in textile and fabric arts, providing 10 sewing machines to youth each year.

Nominated by his textiles and fashion teacher Jordana Kokoszka, Tran produced several works to submit as examples for his application, including hoodies, a tote bag and a pair of shorts. The creations were enough to impress the judges and earn him the award.

“Now I can work on things at home, which is really exciting,” he said.

Having started his fashion journey in Grade 9 in Kokoszka’s fashion and textiles course, Tran was initially inspired by sports brands like Nike. However, Kokoszka’s encouragement later helped him come up with his own themes and creations.

“She really helped me develop my own style,” he said. “She’s the one that encouraged me to start making my own hoodies and stuff.”  

With several pieces now bearing his own “J Brand” logo, Tran said the new machine will go a long way in helping him toward his goal of pursuing fashion in post-secondary school.

For Kokoszka, Tran’s award is a testament to the hard work and effort he’s put in since day one.

“While other students might borrow ideas from existing brands that are popular today, Jacob quickly showed an interest in creating something unique to him and ran with it,” she said.

Focused on finishing up the rest of the school year, Tran said he’s looking forward to expanding his own line of clothing with his newly minted sewing station.

Tran is the second Surrey Schools student to win the award. Grade 9 Semiahmoo Secondary student Rein Ogdang won last year.

Congratulations Jacob!