Nataliia Bon

Rianna Applin, a recent graduate of Canon Richards Memorial Academy in Flowers Cove, has been awarded the prestigious Peter Kohler Engineering Scholarship, a recognition that marks a pivotal moment in her journey to becoming a biomedical engineer.

Rianna’s path to success has not been without challenges. Her family has faced significant financial difficulties due to her parent's battles with cancer and past debts. These struggles intensified the pressure of managing tuition and living expenses, making financial support essential to her future. Despite these hardships, Rianna has remained focused on her academic goals, demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication. Throughout high school, Rianna excelled academically, earning perfect scores. "I demonstrated my commitment to academic excellence by achieving a perfect score of 100% in all of my Level III courses, which includes all of the Sciences, Advanced Mathematics, Calculus, and other required Level III courses," said Rianna. This achievement speaks to her strong work ethic and ability to thrive under pressure, qualities that will serve her well as she embarks on her engineering studies.

Beyond her academic success, Rianna has been deeply involved in volunteer work. In her rural community, where volunteer opportunities are limited, she contributed to various initiatives, including her school’s Student Advisory, Kindness Club, Breakfast Program, and local food drives. These experiences have helped her develop leadership skills and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities, traits that will be invaluable in her engineering career.

The Peter Kohler Scholarship will provide critical financial relief, allowing Rianna to fully concentrate on her studies without the burden of part-time jobs. This support will enable her to cover essential costs like tuition, textbooks, and academic supplies, bringing her closer to her dream of specializing in cancer research.

"My aspiration to specialize in cancer research is driven by my personal experiences with my parent's illness. This scholarship would not only ease financial stress but also validate my commitment to this field, providing me the opportunity to excel academically and bring me closer to achieving my goals", shared Rianna.

Ultimately, the Peter Kohler Scholarship plays a vital role in supporting Rianna’s educational journey and her dream of contributing to cancer research. With this support, she is one step closer to realizing her vision of making a meaningful impact in the world of biomedical engineering.