Provincial Scholarship Awarded to Outstanding Student

A high-school student who helped raise awareness of multi-cultural and human-rights issues is this year's winner of one of the largest university-entrance scholarships awarded by the Nova Scotia government.

Ava Vila will accept the $6,000 Dr. P. Anthony (Tony) Johnstone Memorial Fund Entrance Scholarship today, June 23, at the Prince Andrew High School graduation ceremony.

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

"This scholarship is awarded to a student who works to make others aware of multi-cultural and human-rights issues," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "Ms. Vila's outstanding academics and community involvement set an excellent example for other young Nova Scotians. I'm pleased to congratulate her on this award."

To be considered, candidates must be graduating from high school and entering a Maritime university in the fall. Ms. Vila was selected from 52 applicants and is the 14th winner of the scholarship.

Ms. Vila is the top-ranked student at Prince Andrew High School. She is involved in peer tutoring, the school newspaper, the drama club and holds a part-time job. Most notable is her involvement in the culture club at her high school where she helped organize events to make other students and her community aware of different cultures.

"I'm honoured to receive this recognition for my accomplishments in school and my work in the community," said Ms. Vila. "I think cultural awareness is really important. We need to be educated about the different cultures that make up our province and our country. We all need to work together to raise awareness."

Applicants are required to submit an original essay on positive solutions to resolve current human-rights issues that confront Canadians. In her submission, Ms. Vila suggested education was important, starting at an early age. She also suggested that people should encourage their political representatives to speak out about these issues.

Ms. Vila plans to pursue a bachelor of science degree at Dalhousie University. She hopes to eventually become a doctor.

Students eligible to apply for next year's scholarship can get applications from their school guidance counsellors or at http://ednet.ns.ca early in 2006. The application deadline is March 31, 2006.