Grandview’s Taron Topham was a finalist for the $100,000 LORAN Scholarship and now he can say he’s a LORAN Scholarship winner.
Taron was in Toronto this past weekend alongside 88 other finalists. Of which, 34 were chosen and Topham was one of the 34 that received the massive scholarship. One thing the weekend included was an extensive interviewing process.
“It’s definitely a great honour and makes me feel like all the hard work has paid off,” said Topham. “I’m really thankful for everyone that has helped me and I can’t wait to move forward now.”
Taron found out he was a finalist for the scholarship late last year after he was one of just four Manitoba residents that were chosen to head to Toronto. It’s been somewhat of a stressful couple months for him. Advancing to the national stage was already a huge deal, but he didn’t really know what to expect when he got there.
Obviously, the impression that Taron left was a lasting one that was enough to award him $100,000 towards his post-secondary studies.
“You know, filling out the initial application, I thought to myself what are the odds,” said Topham. “I’ve really enjoyed everything that’s gone into this.”
“It was a great time in Toronto. I met so many people that were past scholars and they shared their stories,” he added. “This just opens so many doors and that’s the really exciting part.”
The question is now when will Taron begin his post-secondary studies and where? Not only is he extremely smart and a super hard worker, but Topham is also well on his way to having a very good junior hockey career with the Dauphin Kings’. Pursuing the goal of making it to the next level out on the ice is just one of the many doors Taron has right in front of him.
“I want to go into the sciences and I’ll probably major/minor in phycology, but I’m not sure which one yet,” said Topham. “I also want some bio and chemistry in there and after my Bachelor in Sciences; I want to aim for the medical program. Where this will all happen is a very good question, I really don’t know.”
A big reason Taron has won the $100,000 scholarship is his commitment to getting out in the community and volunteering. That’s something that will always be a big part of his life.
“Oh yeah for sure, I wouldn’t want to stop doing what got me to where I am,” said Topham. “I still plan on doing it going forward and I’m looking forward to it.”
