Sir John A. Student Earns Johnstone Award

One of the last senior high graduates of Sir John A. Macdonald High School has 6,000 more reasons to celebrate today, June 29.

In addition to a high school diploma, Graham Carey will receive the Dr. P. Anthony Johnstone Memorial Entrance Scholarship, a $6,000 award.

"Graham Carey is an outstanding young person and very deserving of this honour," said Karen Casey, Minister of Education. "His family, his teachers and his classmates should be very proud of him."

In Grade 12, the French immersion student maintained a 97.8 average and in Grade 11, he won the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal.

As well as being an exceptional student, Mr. Carey is a member of the school's student council and cross country running team, and is Sir John A's representative for the Kids' Help Phone. He is a founder and member of its debating team and peer tutoring group. He is also the treasurer for the Nova Scotia Secondary School Students' Association. Outside of school, Mr. Carey plays in the Halifax Metro basketball league, is a member of Amnesty International, a volunteer with Feed Nova Scotia, and a Junior Achievement participant.

Mr. Carey's English teacher, Edward Wholey, noted in a letter of recommendation that during almost 30 years of teaching and more than 4,000 students, Mr. Carey is likely the most exceptional student he ever met.

"I learned that I would receive the Johnstone scholarship just as I finished writing my last exam," said Mr. Carey. "I was surprised to have been selected and at the same time honoured, considering all the talent and commitment in all of the graduating classes around the province."

The award is given annually to one student in the province who excels academically and displays a commitment to human rights. Mr. Carey is the 15th person to receive this scholarship.

To be eligible for the annual scholarship, a student must be living in Nova Scotia, graduating from a high school in the province, and beginning an undergraduate degree program in a Maritime university in the fall. The applicant must also have a demonstrated interest in multiculturalism and human rights.

This year, 45 eligible applications were reviewed by a committee.

Nova Scotia established the scholarship in 1991 to honour the life and work of the late Tony Johnstone, a long time educator and human rights advocate. Dr. Johnstone devoted his life to promoting multicultural understanding and social equality.

A new Sir John A. Macdonald High School will open in the fall and the existing school will become a junior high school.

FOR BROADCAST:

A Grade 12 student at Sir John A. Macdonald High School in

Halifax has won a provincial scholarship worth six thousand

dollars.

Education Minister Karen Casey says that Graham Carey is an

outstanding young person and deserving of this honour. Ms.

Casey added that his family, teachers and classmates should be

proud.

Graham Carey, a French immersion student, completed his

school year with a 97 point 8 average. Mr. Carey sits on the

student council, a provincial student association, and is active

in school athletics.

Outside of school, he is a member of Amnesty International

and volunteers with Feed Nova Scotia.

The award honours the life and work of Tony Johnstone, a

former educator and human rights advocate. It is given to a Nova

Scotian who intends to study at a Maritime university in

the fall.