Wallace Bridge student in the running for prestigious honour
Maria Duynisveld’s life could change dramatically if she receives Loran Award
Maria Duynisveld wants to study agriculture and run her family’s farm near Wallace Bridge.
She’s in the running for one of 34 Loran Awards worth $100,000 for her four years of undergrad study. It will give her the chance to work abroad, receive professional mentoring and network with some of Canada’s brightest minds. Her nal hurdle is a set of interviews in Toronto in early February.
“Right now, I’m excited for the interviews and I’m hopeful,” said Duynisveld, a Grade 12 student at Pugwash District High School. “I’d be happy, however this turns out; I’m glad that I made it this far. I’m super excited to have the opportunities the award provides. I’d have to make some changes in my life path at the moment, but that’s something I’d be willing to do.”
Her current plan is to study her chosen subject at Dalhousie Agricultural Campus in Bible Hill starting next fall, but if she wins the Loran Award, Duynisveld will attend the University of Guelph. Loran scholars are encouraged to study outside their home province.
Duynisveld started out as one of 5,089 candidates for just 34 Loran Awards when she rst applied in October and was nominated by her school. She is now one of just 88 young Canadians who have made the nal round.
Having passed the regional interview stage, Duynisveld is attending national interviews in Toronto Feb. 1-2, after which she learns whether or not she has a Loran Award. Even if she not selected as a Loran Scholar, Duynisveld is still eligible to receive a $5,000 nalist’s award.
After the national selections, the Loran Scholars Foundation will grant 34 Loran Awards. e Loran Award includes annual stipends, tuition waivers from a partner university, mentorship, summer- internship funding, as well as annual retreats and forums.
Duynisveld said Loran Award winners can complete internships both in Canada and abroad. She recently spoke with one previous winner who worked in New Zealand.
“ e Loran Awards really interest me because it’s about service and leadership, which are two things that I am strong in,” said Duynisveld.
At school in Pugwash, Duynisveld works as an editor on the yearbook committee, and curls and plays basketball as her chosen sports.
She previously competed in volleyball and cross-country running. She is also a member of her school’s math league.
Outside school, Duynisveld is a 4-H member, where she serves as a junior leader and hostess for Cumberland County.