LA Matheson student named Loran Scholar
Out of more than 5,000 applicants, L.A. Matheson Secondary’s Govind Deol has been selected as one of just 36 Loran Scholars for 2020.He becomes the fifth Surrey student since 1988 to win the prestigious award, valued at $100,000.
“It’s exciting and I’m excited for the opportunities to come,” said Govind. “Before this, it was all about getting to this point, now there’s a lot to look forward to for the future and still so much to do.”
Laurie Larsen, Chair of the Surrey Board of Education, said the award was well-earned.
“The Surrey Board of Education would like to congratulate Govind for this incredible achievement,” said Larsen. “The Loran Scholars Award is one of the most prestigious educational awards in Canada and we are thrilled to see a Surrey student recognized for his accomplishments both in and outside of the classroom. This award is a testament to all of Govind’s hard work, as well as the amazing team of educators at L.A. Matheson. Congratulations Govind.”
Peter Johnston, Principal of L.A. Matheson hopes Govind’s award will go on to inspire future students not only at his school, but throughout the entire district.
“It’s a great accomplishment and speaks to how our students can achieve alongside students from across the Lower Mainland, B.C. and the rest of Canada,” said Johnston. “There shouldn’t be any distinction between what L.A. Matheson students can do compared with other students and it’s a credit to our teachers, Govind’s elementary teachers, his family and the community.”
Teacher Manny Sahota, who has worked with Govind on his volunteering since Grade 9, said he’s not surprised by Govind’s achievement.
“As teachers, we try to create an environment where the students can thrive and excel and we do that in various ways…but Govind has had all the tools from the beginning, he was destined for this and that’s just who he is as a person.”
As for his next steps, Govind says he’s still just taking it all in and will sit down with his parents in the coming weeks to decide where he’ll want to go. In keeping with the work he’s been doing throughout his high school career, the one thing Govind is sure of is that he wants to pursue sciences and medicine, with the goal of being able to help those both within Canada and abroad.
“India recently had a lot of bad flooding, so there was a bunch of doctors on the ground there,” he explained. “So I want to go into that field of medicine so I can go outside of Canada to help others as well.”
Pausing slightly, Govind adds, “I just like doing what I can to help people.”
For the full list of the 2020 Loran Scholars, click here.
Peter Johnston, Principal of L.A. Matheson hopes Govind’s award will go on to inspire future students not only at his school, but throughout the entire district.
“It’s a great accomplishment and speaks to how our students can achieve alongside students from across the Lower Mainland, B.C. and the rest of Canada,” said Johnston. “There shouldn’t be any distinction between what L.A. Matheson students can do compared with other students and it’s a credit to our teachers, Govind’s elementary teachers, his family and the community.”
Teacher Manny Sahota, who has worked with Govind on his volunteering since Grade 9, said he’s not surprised by Govind’s achievement.
“As teachers, we try to create an environment where the students can thrive and excel and we do that in various ways…but Govind has had all the tools from the beginning, he was destined for this and that’s just who he is as a person.”
As for his next steps, Govind says he’s still just taking it all in and will sit down with his parents in the coming weeks to decide where he’ll want to go. In keeping with the work he’s been doing throughout his high school career, the one thing Govind is sure of is that he wants to pursue sciences and medicine, with the goal of being able to help those both within Canada and abroad.
“India recently had a lot of bad flooding, so there was a bunch of doctors on the ground there,” he explained. “So I want to go into that field of medicine so I can go outside of Canada to help others as well.”
Pausing slightly, Govind adds, “I just like doing what I can to help people.”
For the full list of the 2020 Loran Scholars, click here.
Photo by Eric Choi - Edge Imaging
