Tony Johnstone Scholarship Awarded to Pictou Student

Megan DeYoung of West Pictou District High School is the 2003 winner of the Dr. P. Anthony Johnstone Memorial Fund Entrance Scholarship.

The $6,000 scholarship was presented to Ms. DeYoung on Thursday, June 26, at her high school's graduation ceremony.

The scholarship honours the late educator and human rights advocate Tony Johnstone. It is awarded for academic achievement and leadership in student, cultural and community affairs.

"We provide this scholarship to encourage young people to lead their peers in social change that makes our province a better place to live," said Education Minister Angus MacIsaac. "I'm pleased to congratulate Ms. DeYoung on her accomplishments thus far in her young life, and wish her well as she continues her education and service to her fellow Nova Scotians."

Applicants for the scholarship are required to submit an essay on solutions to human rights issues affecting Canadians. In her essay, Ms. DeYoung suggested that if each individual would consider and adjust his or her own attitudes and behaviours, then society as a whole would change for the better.

She also noted that positive change also happens in a school system where all students feel respected and see their cultural backgrounds reflected in the curriculum.

"It was a surprise to win this award," said Ms. DeYoung. "Recognition isn't usually what leaders are looking for so they don't often expect it when it comes. It is a privilege to be recognized in this way."

During her years at West Pictou High, Ms. DeYoung served on the student council and as senior year book editor, advocated for French immersion programming, and won the 2002 Lieutenant- Governor's medal.

She has participated in the Pictou County Youth Forum, Huggins Science Seminar at Acadia University, Summer Academy at St. Francis Xavier University, and a Canada-Norway student exchange. As a highland dancer, she has competed and organized Scottish dance festivals in her community.

Ms. DeYoung will enter the pharmacy program at Dalhousie University this fall. She has an $8,000 chancellor's scholarship from the university, which is renewable for four years.

Students eligible to apply for next year's Tony Johnstone Scholarship may obtain applications from school guidance counsellors early in 2004. The deadline for applying is March 31, 2004.