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Westwood student finalist for $100k scholarship

PHOTO. Supplied. FMPSD. Westwood Student Finalist for $100,000 Loran Scholarship.

A Westwood Community High School student is one step closer to a $100,000 scholarship.

Dhruv Patel is one of 88 finalists heading to national selections for the Loran Scholarship in Toronto.

The scholarship, which is Canada’s largest undergrad award, is based on leadership, character and service, all of which are embodied by Patel, who is 17-year-old.

Patel’s leadership in coding and computer science helped create the student organization Westwood Coders. He is also co-president of a social profit group he co-founded with fellow students, which champions coding and computer science in Fort McMurray Public School District schools and in the region.

Patel says he is honoured to be in the top 88 students across Canada who were chosen.

“This scholarship is about character as well as a commitment to service and leadership, so to be a finalist for something of such high value is truly an honour where I get to represent Westwood, FMPSD, and Fort McMurray,”

Christine Tulk the Westwood Counselor who nominated Patel calls him a “wonderful asset for our school community.” and Doug Nicholls, Superintendent of FMPSD refers to Patel as a top ambassador for the FMPSD and our community.

 

Of the 88 finalists heading to Toronto on Feb. 2 and 3, only 34 will receive the coveted $100,000 award which includes mentorship, funding for summer internships, a week long orientation expedition, annual retreats and other scholar gatherings.