Ila Campbell (left) and Thea Wells (right) (Submitted photo/SD73).

By Aaron Schulze

Scholarship Finalists

Two Kamloops high school students finalists for $100,000 scholarships

Jan 18, 2022 | 11:29 AM

KAMLOOPS — Two Kamloops high school students have been announced as finalists for the national Loran Scholarship, a fund chosen based on character, service and leadership.

Grade 12 students Ila Campbell of Valleyview Secondary School (VSS) and Thea Wells of South Kamloops Secondary School (SKSS) are among the 90 finalists – the largest group to-date – for one of 36 prestigious awards.

VSS Principal Barb Hamblett says she recalls first meeting Campbell when the student was in Grade 8 during a Day of Sucwentwécw planning session where she would be performing.

“When I heard Ila sing, I knew she needed to share her beautiful voice with others,” Hamblett says. “Ila’s quiet, calm confidence on the stage and in the classroom has created powerful ripples at VSS. I can hardly wait to see what she will do with her future.”

SKSS Principal Walt Kirschner says Wells is an outstanding student who quietly displays a passion for learning and consistently demonstrates leadership qualities.

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“What I most appreciate is how Thea uses their education as a platform to better themselves, SKSS and the greater community. A humble student who has positively impacted and supported so many staff and students on our campus,” Kirschner says.

The awards are valued at $100,000 over four years and comprised of a $10,000 living stipend, up to $10,000 in tuition waiver per year, one-on-one mentorship, up to $14,000 in funding for tri-sectoral summer work experiences, annual gatherings and a week-long orientation expedition with Outward Bound.

Over 5,000 students from over 1,400 Canadian schools applied for the 2022 Loran Award. The next step for Campbell and Wells is a virtual selection process which will take place in February and March. Successful scholarship recipients will be announced shortly thereafter.