Congratulations to Champlain Saint-Lambert student Wadii Karfali who has been selected as one of the 2022 Loran Scholars from a pool of more than 5,000 applicants across Canada.

The Loran Award is valued at $100,000 over four years, comprised of a $10,000 living stipend and 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 weeklong orientation expedition.

The award aims to identify candidates who demonstrate perseverance when faced with adversity, kindness, a sense of curiosity, and sparks of leadership potential.

Wadii Karfali, the vice-president in charge of finance for the Champlain Student Association (CSA), said he was in shock when he learned that he had been selected for the award.

“When I got the call saying that I was chosen as a Loran scholar, I didn’t feel anything. The information didn’t process until hours later,” he said.

“It’s still a dream. I still can’t believe it. It’s a lifechanging opportunity for sure.”

Karfali, who studies Pure & Applied Science at Champlain Saint-Lambert, plans to pursue a bachelor in commerce with a major in finance next year.

He dreams of starting his own non-profit organization aimed at increasing financial literacy initiatives among young people.

“I believe that Loran has given me an opportunity to keep reaching toward this goal,” he said.

This goal of helping his peers to become educated about personal finance has been an important theme in Karfali’s life.

Karfali said that when he arrived in Quebec as an immigrant from Morocco seven years ago, he knew the hardship of financial difficulties firsthand.

He said he was influenced by the work of well-known economic columnist and Chartered Professional Accountant Pierre-Yves McSween.

McSween’s book “Do You Really Need It? One Question to Free You Financially” proved a starting point on Karfali’s journey to become more informed.

In his first year at Champlain College, he founded a financial independence club which hosted online workshops and guest speakers.

He also received a Forces Avenir silver medal at the provincial level in the category of Engaged Student when he was in high school.

With this tremendous opportunity, Karfali is now planning to attend university out-of-province, something he considers a “scary, but meaningful risk.”

Congratulations are also due to Champlain student and CSA President Shania Dalili, who was also selected as a national finalist for the Loran Award. Being chosen among the top 90 candidates in the country means she is awarded a $5,000 scholarship.

Champlain Saint-Lambert’s last Loran Award winner was Salma Rehimini in 2016.