Applying to university can be a stressful process for any Grade 12 student—even those with grades as excellent as Whistler Secondary School student Molly Long’s.
However, a pair of nominations for two national scholarship awards is making the transition that much easier.
“It shows me that I’m at the same level as some of the other exceptional students who are applying,” Long said. “I feel like I would belong with them.”
Long was one of 518 semi-finalists chosen from a field of 5,089 applicants to be interviewed and considered for the prestigious Loran Award, a $100,000 scholarship granted to “up to 34” students. Although she missed out on the top prize, Long was one of up to 50 students awarded a $2,000 provincial award.
“I was hoping to make the finals, but I was still happy,” she said.
The Loran Award—short for Long-Range Aid to Navigation—evaluates applicants using a “rigorous selection process” based off three points: values of character, service and leadership.
"Molly, definitely, stands out as an exceptional student,” explained Jamie Walzl, Long’s physics and computer programming teacher at Whistler Secondary School (WSS).
“Her intellectual talents are complemented by her focus, determination, and commitment to success. It has been wonderful to see Molly challenge herself with new experiences during the past year,” he added. “During the last 12 months, Molly has been part of Whistler Secondary's Mathematics team, Physics Olympics team, and the SHAD youth leadership program,” a trio of experiences that have taken her to universities across the country.
In addition to her academic endeavours, Long also competes in and coaches volleyball, plays piano, runs cross country and track and field, and serves as a member WSS’s leadership club and student council, in addition to other volunteer positions.
Long, who plans to study engineering, has already been accepted to Queen’s University, and is currently awaiting responses from the University of British Columbia, the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto (U of T).
However, her chances of acceptance to U of T are looking good—Long is one of 20 finalists for the university’s National Scholarship Program, awarded to a student, “who demonstrates superior academic performance, original and creative thought, and exceptional achievement in a broad context,” while WSS has also nominated Long for the University of Toronto’s book award. The National Scholarship award covers tuition, incidental and residence fees for up to four years of study for 10 students, according to U of T.
Long is preparing to travel to Toronto next month for an in-person interview for the scholarship.
“It’s been great to see Molly take chances and be rewarded,” wrote Walzl, in an email. “Molly's (Loran) Scholarship award is a wonderful way to celebrate Molly's efforts and achievements."
