Hatter Laec Lorentzen is one of a select few applicants accepted into Yale University's class of 2027. The university recorded the lowest acceptance rate in its history for the 2027 graduating class, with a rate of only 4.35 per cent.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
One of Medicine Hat’s own is off to the Ivy League.
Hatter Laec Lorentzen will be headed to New Haven, Connecticut come September to attend Yale University.
Having earned a full-ride scholarship, Lorentzen plans to study music, as well as mechanical engineering.
“Representing Medicine Hat at an elite school is pretty neat,” Lorentzen told the News. “I think what it shows is that really anyone, as long as they’re willing to put in the work, has a chance to do something like this.”
Lorentzen believes his dedication to academics and the support of his teachers helped set him aside from other applicants, but also his accomplishments as a musician.
A three-time winner of the Medicine Hat Rotary Music Festival’s Rose Bowl, Lorentzen is an accomplished cellist. He was also recently announced a winner of the Rotary Calgary Concerto Competition.
“I will always be grateful for the opportunities I’ve had with music in Medicine Hat, mainly through the Rotary Music Festival, but also just being in a community that is so supportive of the arts,” said Lorentzen.
Medicine Hat Music Festival Society president Cathie Catalano offered Lorentzen her congratulations, and stated she is looking forward to seeing where his path leads.
“It’s just so nice when something like this happens,” said Catalano. “We really do need to shower him with our support, because he’s worked so hard for this and he’s put a lot of time into it.”
