Hamilton student wins prestigious scholarship
By Mike Pearson
Hamilton Mountain News (April 13, 2021)
A passion for social justice and an eagerness to assist her community have helped a Hamilton Mountain student land a prestigious Loran Award valued at $100,000.
St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School (STM) student Abygail Montague is one of 30 Loran Scholars selected from across Canada who will each receive the scholarship.
Montague, 17, plans to study kinesiology at Western University. While she’s in London, Ont., she also hopes to explore opportunities to partner with organizations like the one she started with her sisters, BLK OWNED HAMONT.
Using Instagram, BLK OWNED HAMONT celebrates and showcases Black-owned businesses in Hamilton and the surrounding area.
“We’re encouraging the community to use their purchasing power, especially during the pandemic, to support Black businesses and overall support local businesses, because they are the ones who are in need right now,” said Montague.
The effort has helped businesses like the Juice Kitchen on Concession Street gain more interest and new customers.
BLK OWNED HAMONT achieved 2,000 followers within its first week and now has approximately 6,000 after 10 months. See blkowned.ca for more information.
Montague’s favourite thing about volunteering is seeing the benefits of her work in the community.
“Being able to see that impact in the community, like the Juice Kitchen, and other businesses who we have featured, has been what I love about giving back to my community,” she said.
In January, Montague joined the United Against Racism Club at STM.
“We’re just a very open space to talk about social injustices that are going around in our city, country and globally,” she noted. “It’s a space for students to have a conversation, where they can feel comfortable, and encouraging teachers to have that conversation in the classroom.”
Montague said the group works to raise awareness not just about anti-Black racism but also about issues like the recent rise in anti-Asian racism during the pandemic, for example.
Montague is student council president at STM. She has also captained her Hamilton Bengals field lacrosse team.
At Mount Hamilton Baptist Church, Montague has volunteered as a Sunday school teacher. She’s currently helping out with a virtual Saturday kids’ club at the church, as well as a youth group on Zoom.
Montague found out last month that she had been selected as a Loran Scholar. The $100,000 prize includes a mentorship and summer internship opportunities, as well as funding throughout each year of a four-year undergraduate program.
“I felt speechless and I still can’t wrap my head around receiving this award,” she said. “I’m just blown away with the opportunities that I’ve already received.”
Past Loran Scholars have also messaged Montague on social media to offer tips and congratulations.
“It’s been amazing so far,” said Montague.
From September 2020 to March 2021, more than 400 Loran Scholars Foundation volunteers reviewed 6,084 applications, held virtual semifinal events with candidates across the country and conducted national interviews with 72 finalists.
Since 1988, the foundation has provided more than $50 million in undergraduate awards to promising young Canadians.
Source: Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board