Dartmouth High Student Wins Prestigious Scholarship

A Dartmouth High School student who founded a multicultural club and is an active volunteer is this year's winner of a prestigious government scholarship.

Ijjieh Mantolino will accept the $6,000 Dr. P. Anthony (Tony) Johnstone Memorial Fund Entrance Scholarship today, June 26, at her school's graduation ceremony.

"Ijjieh is an outstanding role model for today's young people," Education Minister Karen Casey said. "She not only excels in academics, she works hard to make a difference in other people's lives. I am pleased to congratulate her on this award."

Ms. Mantolino, whose family moved to Nova Scotia from the Philippines nine years ago, has maintained an outstanding academic record while being involved in many aspects of student life, sports and volunteerism. Many of her efforts have been in a leadership role.

"Ijjieh has been a gift to teach. She is highly respected by her peers, as well as her teachers," said leadership instructor Debbie Dunham, adding Ijjieh is not afraid to take on a challenge. "She will step up when others will not."

Ms. Mantolino founded, and was first president of, the multicultural club at Dartmouth High School and has been very active in the Filipino Association of Nova Scotia. An accomplished dancer, she organizes and teaches Filipino folk dancing to younger children and has represented the association in various cultural events. Her volunteer efforts include helping seniors, tutoring, working at a day care and helping people with special needs.

"I don't like staying at home not doing anything, and I like to contribute to my community," Ms. Mantolino.

Ms. Mantolino will be pursing a bachelor of science degree at Dalhousie University starting this fall.

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

This year, 46 eligible applications were reviewed by the selection 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 who devoted his life to promoting multicultural understanding and social equality.