Nova Scotians Win Wales Scholarships

Three Nova Scotia students are receiving $2,000 each in Wales Scholarships to pursue post-secondary education this September.

The Department of Education provides $6,000 each year for the scholarships. They are awarded to students with disabilities who are starting or continuing post-secondary education at Nova Scotia institutions.

"Post-secondary education is a stepping stone to a better job and a greater ability to contribute to our economy," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "We're pleased to provide this kind of support to Nova Scotians wishing to continue their studies."

This year's recipients are Suzanne Chase from New Glasgow, Tara- Lynn Cosman from New Minas and Melissa Wamboldt from Halifax.

Ms. Chase graduated from New Glasgow High School in June and will begin the child and youth studies program at Mount Saint Vincent University this fall.

Ms. Cosman will continue her computer studies, entering her second year of the bachelor of science program at Saint Mary's University.

Ms. Wamboldt studied biology at Mount Saint Vincent University and will begin a masters in forensic science this fall at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. An exception was made to allow Ms. Wambolt to use the scholarship for studies outside Nova Scotia because her program is not available in the province.

The scholarships are administered by the Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command of the Royal Canadian Legion. The legion's scholarship committee decides each year whether the scholarship fund will be split among more than one recipient.

Members of the legion will arrange presentations of the scholarships to the winning students in their communities.

Applicants must be ineligible to receive assistance under the federal Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities Program, which is delivered by the Nova Scotia departments of Education and Community Services.

For information or an application form for the 2003-04 academic year, visit the Department of Education Web site at www.ednet.ns.ca . Applications must be received by July 15, 2003.