HALDIMAND—Two local students are celebrating life-changing news after being named 2026 Loran Scholars, one of Canada’s most prestigious undergraduate awards.
Both Annice Adams of Caledonia and Madison Davey of Six Nations were selected from more than 5,400 applicants nationwide.
As previously reported by the Press, “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,” read an email from the foundation announcing the finalists.
Davey was recognized for taking on a leading role in advancing Indigenous education in her school community, including spearheading a reconciliation art mural at her high school, Assumption College in Brantford, and serving as president of the mental health club, while Adams has emerged as a leader at McKinnon Park Secondary School in Caledonia as student council prime minister, a Connect Crew mentor, a dedicated ringette coach, and community volunteer.
“I got the call as I was walking into the arena in Caledonia,” said Adams, who was headed to coach a ringette practice at the time she learned of her big win.
“I was so excited! All I could think about was how much had gone into getting there. Not only the time and hard work I have put in, but also the help I have gotten along the way – from my family, my teachers, my coaches, and my friends, the people who supported me. After I got off the phone, my family and I celebrated. It truly felt like the perfect moment.”
Davey was shocked in the best way.
“Honestly, I was preparing myself for the worst news so that the letdown would be easier, and then I heard the best news of my life!”
Davey said she is still processing the news.
“It has felt incredible. I’ve been riding a high now that I’ve been able to share the news with people outside my immediate family who are extremely important to me.”
Through promoting truth and reconciliation through art to supporting mental health in her school, Davey touched on how her experiences have helped prepare her for the future.
“These experiences have taught me how to enhance my collaboration skills and how to work with varying, sometimes clashing, personalities,” she said. “They have taught me the value of listening to your team and ensuring that everyone’s opinions and thoughts are heard. They have taught me the importance of creating healthy cultures and communities where everyone thrives, working towards a common goal. These are lessons that I will carry in all future endeavours.”
Davey characterized her commitment to Indigenous education and reconciliation as motivated by challenges she experienced personally when transitioning from elementary to high school.
“I wanted to aid in work that helped to improve that transition for the kids who followed. We created the mural specifically because we wanted the kids who came up to high school after us to see their culture represented. We wanted them to see that our school board was committed to their education and to building bridges between our community and their school board.”
Adams said the key to staying motivated when it comes to taking on leadership roles through arts, athletics, and community service is choosing activities close to her heart.
“That is what motivates me to continue to be involved. Each experience teaches me something new, whether that be from an activity, a person I met, or a challenge I faced. I have learned to be open to new opportunities and challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone,” said Adams.
Aside from the Loran recognition, Adams called watching other people flourish and grow through her efforts greatly rewarding on a personal level.
“It is the greatest feeling when you see someone you know begin to take on a leadership role or share their passions. In ringette, when I see other players learning how to coach, or starting to volunteer with younger divisions, or in council, when I see younger students begin to take on larger leadership roles, I know I am doing something right. Helping others grow into themselves is what makes it all worth it to me,” she shared.
Both Adams and Davey said that pushing themselves outside of their comfort zone was a key part of achieving the success they have.
“Only when you push yourself out of your comfort zone can you really start to learn about what you need to be successful,” said Adams. “Last year, I competed to become the Caledonia Fair Ambassador, but was unsuccessful. I learned so much from the competition, including that you don’t always have to be successful in your pursuits to gain something from them. Oftentimes, the very act of trying, of making yourself uncomfortable and pushing yourself, is a formative experience.”
Davey spoke about her decision to remain in high school for a fifth year, feeling unprepared at the end of Grade 12 to immediately jump into university.
“In full transparency, I was overwhelmed in my senior year and was certainly struggling. I felt unprepared to attend university the following year. Reflecting on the past, I can realize how crucial taking a fifth year was. The reality is that had I not chosen to take the extra year, I wouldn’t have the confidence in myself to put myself out there for such a prestigious scholarship, and I certainly would not be here today,” said Davey.
Both are beyond thrilled to be members of the Loran Scholar society.
“It is the culmination of my leadership journey, which began in middle school,” said Adams. “Becoming a Loran Scholar provides not only financial support, but also the tools to continue growing in the ways that matter: in my leadership and character. Becoming a Loran Scholar means joining a lifelong community. I am so excited to be surrounded by people who are alike in heart and are truly passionate about what they do.”
Davey concurred, calling it an incredible honour to be placed alongside “such amazing human beings.”
She elaborated, “I’m honoured to be a part of such a welcoming community that contributes significantly to society. Within this network, I see myself actively engaged in a community that uplifts one another, and I see myself learning so many things from a vast variety of people and experiences. This is somewhere where I can continue learning and growing as an individual. This scholarship will propel me into the best version of myself.”
