Former Kelowna public school student Jesse Lafontaine has been named a Rhodes Scholar and is among 10 Canadians who will attend Oxford University in 2022.
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November 30, 2021 – 4:53 PM
A graduate of École Kelowna Secondary School has been named a Rhodes Scholar.
Jesse Lafontaine — a member of the Métis Nation BC and Kelowna Métis Association — is among 10 Canadians who are set to attend Oxford University in 2022.
“I am proud to be a graduate of Central Okanagan Public Schools. My education in Kelowna helped lay the foundation for success and inspired my passion for pursuing higher education,” Lafontaine said in a school district media release. “I am truly grateful for all the people who have been part of my team along the way, and I am excited for the next steps in my journey.”
Lafontaine is currently studying medicine at the University of Alberta.
“Mr. Lafontaine’s scholastic achievement and dedication to equitable health care for Indigenous people inspires our entire district, so we offer both our congratulations on this rare distinction and our gratitude,” Kevin Kaardal, superintendent of schools, said in the release. “Our goal is to empower students to thrive as global citizens, and Jesse is a shining example of someone whose commitment and humanity will surely make a difference in our world.”
In addition to his studies, Lafontaine is also working to increase Indigenous representation in medicine through his organization, the Indigenous Medical and Dental Students’ Association of Canada.
Both of his parents work in education, and his mother teaches in the school district.
“Jesse has always had very high expectations of himself and he is one of the most driven, goal-oriented people I know,” Jesse’s mother, Kathryn Lafontaine said in the release. “We are thrilled for his success and can’t wait to see where he takes this new opportunity.”
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