Nova Scotians Win Wales Scholarships

Three Nova Scotia students are beginning their post-secondary studies this month with $2,000 scholarships from the provincial government.

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

"A post-secondary education is an investment not only in a student's future, but also in the future of our province," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "We're pleased to offer support to these young Nova Scotians as they pursue the education and encourage them to live and work in Nova Scotia once they graduate."

This year's recipients are Tara Loughnane of Coldbrook, John Paul MacInnis of New Waterford and Mary MacDonald of Halifax.

Ms. Loughnane graduated from Central Kings Rural High School in June. She is beginning studies in physiotherapy and psychology through the bachelor of science program at Acadia University.

Mr. MacInnis graduated from Breton Education Centre in 2002 and completed the one-year radio and television program at Memorial High School in June. He is beginning the radio and television arts diploma at the Kingstec Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College.

Ms. MacDonald returned to school from the workforce and graduated from Dalhousie University with a bachelor of arts degree in 2000. She is now enrolled in the advanced diploma in public relations program at the Halifax Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College.

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

Members of the legion and the department are presenting the scholarships to the 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 2004-05 academic year, visit the Department of Education Web site at www.ednet.ns.ca . Applications must be received by July 15, 2004.