Pengrowth, Province Host Nova Scotia's Future Energy Leaders

NOTE: The list of 2005 and 2006 Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship and Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Petroleum Innovation Grant recipients follow the release.

The academic achievement of Nova Scotia students was celebrated today, Dec. 18, by Pengrowth and the government of Nova Scotia.

Twenty-one students, recipients of the 2005 and 2006 Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship and Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Petroleum Innovation Grant, were honoured at an event at Province House.

"Together with the private sector, our government is investing in the talent and innovation that Nova Scotia's young people are eager to contribute," said Premier Rodney MacDonald. "For them and through them, we are building a new Nova Scotia."

Energy Minister Bill Dooks said the province is extremely proud of the students.

"They have bright futures ahead, and we are so pleased to help these talented students realize their potential," said Mr. Dooks.

James Kinnear, president and chief executive officer of Pengrowth Corporation, said the scholarship program reflects government and industry co-operation at its best.

"We are working together to help secure bright futures for Nova Scotia students and for the province's offshore industry," said Mr. Kinnear. "We are pleased to be able to honour the scholarship recipients and reflect on their achievements over the past year.”

The Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy scholarship fund was established in 2005 for Nova Scotia students interested in pursuing careers in the energy industry. The fund has assisted 31 students to date. The total value of the trust is $3 million.

Beth MacEachern, a first-year science student at Dalhousie University and one of the recipients of the 2006 Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy scholarship, has a keen interest in renewable energy, and is already looking forward to embracing opportunities in the province's energy industry after graduation.

"I am so grateful to be a part of this program," said Ms. MacEachern. "I truly feel that my future will be that much brighter, thanks to Pengrowth and the province of Nova Scotia."

The Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy scholarship fund provides up to 21 scholarships for trade and undergraduate students annually, and up to four research grants for master's students. The undergraduate scholarships are valued at up to $10,000; $2,500 renewable for four years. The research grants are valued at up to $15,000, $7,500 over two years. The trades scholarships are valued at $2,500, and are non-renewable. To date, 28 Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy scholarships and three Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Petroleum Innovation Grants have been awarded.

The application deadline for the 2007 Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship is April 27, 2007, and the deadline for the 2007 Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Petroleum Innovation Grant is Jan. 12, 2007. For application forms or additional information on the scholarships or petroleum innovation grants, visit the Department of Energy website at www.gov.ns.ca/energy .

The 2005 and 2006 Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship and Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Petroleum Innovation Grant recipients attending the reception are:

Nicholas Allen, Dartmouth (Dalhousie University) Damian Daniels, Dartmouth (Dalhousie University) Alycia MacDonald, Antigonish (St. Francis Xavier University) Kelly Moores, Coldbrook, Kings Co. (Acadia University) Kelly Poirier, Timberlea (Saint Mary's University) Evan Bridson-Pateman, Annapolis Royal (Dalhousie University) Christopher Cloney, Brookfield, Colchester Co. (Dalhousie University) Gillian Fung, Lower Sackville (Dalhousie University) Malcolm Gillis, Margaree, Inverness Co. (Nova Scotia Community College) Danielle Glenn, Antigonish (St. F.X. University) Ashley Hill, Sydney Mines (Atlantic Baptist University) Amy Ingram, Liverpool, Queens Co. (Saint Mary's University) Beth MacEachern, Westville, Pictou Co. (Dalhousie University) Kevin MacIsaac, Westville, Pictou Co. (Nova Scotia Community College) Corey MacNeil, Cole Harbour (Nova Scotia Community College) Cody Rawding, Caledonia, Queens Co. (Nova Scotia Community College) Mark Staples, Halifax (Dalhousie University) Daniel Verner, Coxheath, Cape Breton Co. (Cape Breton University) Kathleen Gould, Windsor, Kings Co. (Saint Mary's University) Virginia Brake, Lower Sackville (Dalhousie University) Sarah Bowman, Lower Sackville (Saint Mary's University)