Three East Region high school students, including one from Belleville, are on the shortlist to be recognized for their remarkable achievements at a young age.
The Loran Scholars Foundation announced Emily Esperantze, a student at Nicholson Catholic College, is one of the 2026 Loran Finalists and is within the top 1.6-per cent of applicants.
Additionally, Kingston Secondary School’s Nathan Kashira and Cai Roberts of Campion College High School in Kingston were named to the list.
Out of a pool of more than 5,000 candidates, the 90 graduating high school and CEGEP students selected as Loran Finalists for the class of 2026 have demonstrated exceptional strength of character, a deep commitment to community service, and exceptional leadership potential.
Loran Scholars benefit from a four-year leadership enrichment program including summer work experiences, one-on-one mentorship, scholar gatherings, an annual living stipend, a tuition waiver at one of 25 university partners, and a long-term community of peers, alumni, and supporters from coast to coast to coast.
From February 20-22, 2026, we will welcome students travelling from homes as far as Nanaimo, BC, Yellowknife, NT, and Glovertown, NL, to Toronto for Loran’s National Selections. After this weekend of interviews, we will grant up to 36 Loran Awards. If not selected as Loran Scholars, the students will each be eligible to receive a $6,000 Loran Finalist Award.
