Lucas Jarche may be only 15 but the local high school student is already thinking ahead to university and how he might be able to gain a competitive advantage over other students his age.
He believes his month-long experience this summer at the intensive, mind-challenging Shad Valley program might be just the opportunity he’s looking for.
“I thought it would give me a good edge,” said Lucas of his decision to apply for the summer enrichment program.
The Grade 10 Sackville student was selected from more than 1,000 applicants world-wide to participate in Shad Valley, a program that combines entrepreneurship with science and technology.
Celebrating 30 years in 2010, Shad Valley is an intensive university-based development program for high potential secondary school students.
Hosted throughout the month of July at 10 Canadian universities, students live in residence during the program and are taught and supervised by faculty, graduate students, and Shad alumni.
Lucas said he had never heard about the Shad Valley camp until earlier this year when he was encouraged by his science teacher to apply.
“He thought it was a program I might be interested in.”
So Lucas soon checked out the website and began the “rigorous” registration process, which included an application form, an extensive personal accomplishments profile, a creative page, and several essays.
To qualify for admission to the program, students must be of high academic standing (most have averages over 90 per cent). They must also be well-rounded, emerging leaders who demonstrate drive, initiative, creativity and an entrepreneurial flair.
Lucas, who holds a 96 per cent average at Tantramar Regional High School and is planning a career in the medical field, says he is looking forward to the opportunities this camp will offer.
“School hasn’t really been much of a challenge so I thought this would help get me ready for university.”
He also anticipates making life-long friendships with other like-minded people who have the same drive to excel as he does.
“Yeah, it should be fun . . . it will probably be one of the best things I do to prepare me in life for when I get older.”
Lucas will head to Memorial University in Newfoundland for his Shad Valley experience, which will take place from June 27 to July 24.
The program provides an array of learning-based activities for the students, from lectures to field trips, seminars and laboratory work. Participants will also enjoy recreational activities and the opportunity to explore local attractions.
A key part of the program is a national entrepreneurship competition that simulates a start-up venture – requiring students to complete patent searches, prepare business plans, and design and build prototypes for a product.
Lucas, son of Harold Jarche and Andrea Wilson, said he is eager to take on the business challenge as he is certainly no stranger to entrepreneurial ventures.
At five years old, with his mother’s encouragement and assistance, he began growing his own ingredients to make pesto sauce so he could sell it at the local market. And he’s been doing it every summer since then.
Lucas credits his parents for the success he has achieved to date, noting they’ve encouraged and supported him and instilled in him a passion to learn from a very young age.
