Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholars Announced

Fourteen young Nova Scotians are receiving a boost for their energy-related career plans, thanks to the $2-million Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship Program.

Ten students are receiving the program's first university scholarships worth as much as $10,000 each, $2,500 renewable over four years, based on ratings for a combination of extra curricular activities and academic performance. Four people receive $2,500 non-renewable scholarships at the Nova Scotia Community College.

"We're very pleased with the quality of the applications we received, " said Energy Minister Cecil Clarke, "I'm confident that these young Nova Scotians will achieve great success in our energy sector."

The scholarship recipients are:
Nicholas Allen, Dartmouth, Halifax Co. Erica Blackburn, Beechville, Halifax Co. Damian Daniels, Dartmouth, Halifax Co. Alycia MacDonald, Antigonish, Antigonish Co. Martin MacInnis, Sydney River, Cape Breton Co. Jacob Matz, Yarmouth, Yarmouth Co. Kelly Moores, Coldbrook, Kings Co. Kelly Poirier, Timberlea, Halifax Co. James Proudfoot, New Glasgow, Pictou Co. Devin Walsh, Eureka, Pictou Co. Jamin Church, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg Co. Troy Hatt, Milton, Queens Co. Rachel Palmeter, East Grand Pré, Kings Co. Stephen Sampson, St. Peter's, Richmond Co.

"Our involvement in Nova Scotia's offshore has been very rewarding for Pengrowth and the citizens of Nova Scotia," said James Kinnear, Pengrowth's president and chief executive officer. "The Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship Program is another example of supporting communities where our team members and their families live and work. We are delighted to help boost strong careers in Nova Scotia's energy sector for these deserving recipients."

The scholarship fund was announced in March 2005. It is funded by contributions from the Nova Scotia government and Pengrowth Corporation of Calgary, one of the owners of the Sable Offshore Energy Project. Pengrowth contributed $1.5 million to the fund and the province added $500,000.