Gracie Diabo, a John Abbott College student in the Double DEC: Sciences and Social Science program, has been named a 2023 Loran Scholar. This year, the Loran Scholars Foundation selected 36 exceptional high-potential youth from a pool of nearly 4,800 applicants who demonstrated their drive to step up in the face of challenges and make positive changes in their communities nationwide.
PHOTO: John Abbott College
The only award of its kind in the country, the Loran Award is a four-year leadership enrichment program consisting of summer work experiences, mentorship, scholar gatherings, an annual living stipend, and a tuition waiver at one of 25 university partners. Loran Scholars are provided with the opportunity to build critical skills and leadership capacity and expand horizons by taking on new challenges and exploring diverse experiences. They join a community of purpose-driven peers committed to leaving the world better than they found it.
Facebook, Loran Scholars Foundation
Gracie volunteers with John Abbott's green team and is a member of various committees promoting students' voices. She has volunteered abroad in Peru and Costa Rica, helping renovate community spaces, and during the pandemic, she volunteered at local flu vaccine clinics.
"The feeling of becoming a Loran Scholar is indescribable, and I am still processing it. This has opened the door to many new opportunities, and I am grateful and excited for the future. It means so much to represent my home community, Indigenous students/youth, and all those that support me, including the John Abbott community. […] I hope to inspire more students and youth to become involved and play active roles in their communities. With this, I look forward to continuing to grow along my journey with Loran and uplifting others to do the same."- Gracie Diabo, Loran Scholar
Gracie is the Founder and President of the Indigenous club at John Abbott College. She is also a member and former executive of SUJAC (Student Union of John Abbott College) and a former member of the John Abbott College Foundation Board of Directors.
"We are so excited and very proud of Gracie for this comprehensive and well-deserved award. Gracie truly embodies the John Abbott College student experience through her energy and selfless commitments at school and in extracurricular activities. On behalf of the entire John Abbott College community, congratulations, Gracie!" - Dennis Waide, Director, Student Services, John Abbott College.
SOURCE: John Abbott College
