In a pool of over 6,000 applicants across Canada, Surrey’s Daisy Bains has emerged as one of just 36 recipients of the coveted Loran Scholarship, a $100,000 award that recognizes outstanding leadership, character, and service. A student of École Kwantlen Park Secondary, Daisy’s achievement is evidence of her sincerity, self-belief, and the power of staying rooted in values.
“Becoming a Loran scholar feels like I’ve opened a door to personal growth and self-reflection,” she says. “The scholarship is not just about recognizing my actions, it’s a promise to myself and my community to keep working towards positive change.”
Selections for the Loran Scholarship are a rigorous national process, which included her flying to Toronto for the final interviews. Daisy still remembers the life-changing moment when she was told she was chosen, “All 90 finalists were waiting for a call, and when Meghan told me that the next 4 years of my life would be transformed, I was completely speechless. My mother and I couldn’t hold in our excitement, shedding tears of joy!”
The award is more than just a financial scholarship—a Loran scholar has access to mentorship, incredible summer experiences, and a supportive community of global changemakers. Daisy’s career development facilitator at school, Ms. Duffield, introduced her to the program. “When I first saw the posters, I thought it couldn’t hurt to apply. Little did I know that six months later, I would be part of the cohort of Loran scholars of 2025.”
What set her apart? “I have always tried to participate in and create programs with sincerity,” Daisy explains. “What we accomplished promoting racial equity within the Surrey School District wasn’t about collecting hours—it was a clear vision pieced together through hard work.”
This vision led her to take action. Daisy proudly brought her vibrant culture to campus by bringing together a Giddha dance team, drawing from her long-time love for the dance form and Punjabi traditions. “Giddha has been an important part of my life since I can remember. And my peers shared the same love for the art, so it was only natural to bring it to school.” She also co-founded the BIPOC Racial Equity Program at her school to address gaps in education around cultural awareness and equity.
Outside of her academic and extracurricular achievements, Daisy is a complete homebody and a grounded teenager deeply influenced by her Sikh faith. “My faith isn’t something I leave at home—it’s in my very existence, it guides my decisions every day,” she shares. She cherishes her time with family and loves fashion; “I love hanging out with my two sisters and parents… and I admit, I’m a huge shopaholic!”
Looking ahead, Daisy envisions a future where she continues giving back. “In 10 years, I see myself right back in Surrey, hopefully as a general practitioner, serving the community that raised me.”
With heart, humility, and a fierce drive to uplift others, Daisy Bains is a name to remember—not just for Surrey, but for all of Canada.
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