It is rare for any person, let alone a high school student, to create meaningful change to the world. However, our very own Baljot Rai has not only made this impact but has done it in three fields: a trifecta of focus and resolve. From creating an innovative solution to destructive algae blooms, to promoting religious equity within prisons and being an advocate for reconciliation, Baljot’s impact abounds. As a result, Baljot has been reported to win one of the largest amounts in Canadian undergraduate scholarships for a Manitoban student, with a whopping total of over $450,000! 

Baljot’s scholarship streak began with the Loran Scholars Award. Known to be Canada’s most prestigious scholarship, the Loran Scholarship recognizes young Canadians who have exhibited an exemplary dedication to service and leadership and have shown integrity and strength of character. This year, over 10,000 impressive applicants started the grueling 7-page application about their journey of growth and impact. 5,300 made it through the application process. After various stages, the list was narrowed down to the final 90 competitors for the Loran Award! After participating in Loran Nationals in Toronto this February, where Baljot engaged in nearly a dozen interviews, Baljot came home nervous but anticipating a life-changing phone call. A week later, he received news that he was officially a 2024 Ralph M. Barford Loran Scholar! 

Baljot was recognized for his commitment to understanding the various needs of the community and taking meaningful action to fill the gaps and underserved populations of our country. Notably, he is the founder of the ‘One in All’ project, through which he leads interfaith action and works with community organizations to provide spiritual and religious resources to prisoners who don’t receive adequate accommodation to practice their faith. Recently, with a group of HRI students, he has been working with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to expand the reach of this project to Indigenous inmates. He was also recognized for his leadership in promoting truth and reconciliation, inclusivity, and philanthropic endeavors. 

Through the Loran Award, Baljot will receive an annual $11,000 tuition waiver, $11,000 living stipend, and $7,000 for each of his summers, when he will be pursuing exciting internships ranging from positions at non-profits, corporate organizations, and policy-making bodies. Baljot will also be joining a network of bright, like-minded youth with a similar commitment to creating meaningful change! 

Baljot was also awarded the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award, which recognizes youth, who like Terry Fox, use their personal challenges as empowerment for change. A focus for this award was also Baljot’s commitment to equity for those of minority faiths – an issue that is very close to him as a practicing Sikh. The Terry Fox Award also provided Baljot the opportunity to meet with leaders such as Justin Trudeau, Jagmeet Singh, and Greg Fergus. Through the Terry Fox Award, Baljot will continue to work with the marginalized for meaningful change. 

The Schulich Leaders Award recognizes leaders in STEM, who have used their abilities in scientific research to create a meaningful change. Valued at $100,000, Baljot was awarded this scholarship at Dalhousie University in Halifax, the University of Victoria, and the University of Manitoba. Baljot impressed these various panels through his research on freshwater issues. “Globally, over 40% of freshwater bodies suffer from the growth of toxic blue-green algae, harming ecosystems and economies,” describes Baljot. His research 
used waste zebra mussel shells (an invasive species) to develop a biological adsorbent capable of adsorbing phosphorus – the main culprit causing the growth of blue-green algae. The developed biosorbent can also be repurposed as a fertilizer, creating a sustainable solution to our blue-green algae crisis. Unfortunately, due to restrictions placed by his other scholarships, Baljot was not able to accept the Schulich Scholarships. 

Baljot’s research also earned him the national Sanofi BioGenius Prize, which celebrates the best research projects across Canada on the subjects of life sciences and biotechnology. He also received scholarships to Western University, Dalhousie, Carleton, University of Ottawa, University of New Brunswick, Mountain Allison University, and a cash prize for his research. 

Baljot is truly a treasure of St Paul’s, embodying the Magis and a Grad at Grad. Yet Baljot’s true testament is his impact on others. Within the school and beyond, Baljot inspires others; he is a true leader and mentor to St. Paul’s. Therefore, from his impact and recognition, we most hope that Baljot continues shaping the world for the better!