Tony Johnstone Scholarship Awarded to Valley Student

Laura Crawford of West Kings District High School is this year's winner of the largest university-entrance scholarship awarded by the Nova Scotia government

The $6,000 Dr. P. Anthony (Tony) Johnstone Memorial Fund Entrance Scholarship was presented to Ms. Crawford Thursday night at the high school's graduation ceremony.

It honours the life and work of the late Tony Johnstone, a long- time educator and human-rights advocate in Nova Scotia. He devoted his life to promoting multicultural understanding and social equality.

"This scholarship encourages young people to educate themselves on human-rights issues in Canada, so that they can continue bringing about the social change Dr. Johnstone worked so hard to achieve," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "I'm pleased to congratulate Ms. Crawford on her award and the excellent example she is setting for other young Nova Scotians."

Ms. Crawford is the 10th winner of the scholarship. A selection committee chooses one recipient annually who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and active involvement in student and community affairs.

"The scholarship requires academic excellence, but also looks at a student's leadership abilities and contribution to cultural and youth activities during the high school years," said Ms. Purves.

Ms. Crawford is president of her school's student council, an air cadet leader, musician tutor and camp counsellor. She also founded a diversity acceptance team in her school and enjoys motivational speaking.

Applicants are required to submit an original essay on positive solutions to resolve current human-rights issues that confront Canadians. Ms. Crawford's submission suggested that a greater focus on human rights in the school system would help young people to grow up as accepting and understanding citizens. She also called for young people to take a greater interest in government so that they can effect change in society through legislation.

Recipients of this award must plan on immediately entering the first year of a bachelor's degree program at any Maritime university. Ms. Crawford will pursue a bachelor of arts degree with a major in political science at St. Francis Xavier University.

Students eligible to apply for next year's Tony Johnstone Scholarship may obtain applications from their school guidance counsellors early in 2002. The application deadline is March 31, 2002.