The following is being distrubuted at the request of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation:

Students win scholarships sponsored by NLHC

Joan Marie Aylward, minister responsible for housing, today announced recipients of $750 scholarships awarded by Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC).

Each year NLHC awards scholarships to high school graduates and adults pursuing post-secondary education. The scholarships are awarded to children of clients, children of employees, and adult clients returning to school. Awards are offered on a regional basis - Avalon/East, Central and Western/Labrador.

Commenting on the scholarship program, Ms. Aylward said: "I would like to congratulate all of the winners of our NLHC scholarships for this year, as well as all applicants who applied. The pursuit of a post-secondary education takes a tremendous amount of hard work and commitment. I commend all of the scholarship winners and wish them well in their future endeavors."

AVALON/EAST
Tara Skeffington of St. John's, Crystal Donahue of Fox Harbour, Sammy Khalili of St. John's, Sarah Whelan and Christopher White, both of Mount Pearl are the recipients of $750 scholarships awarded by Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) for the Avalon/East region.

Tara Skeffington, winner of the adult scholarship, is currently attending the Centre for Nursing Studies in St. John's where she is completing the Practical Nursing Program. Ms. Skeffington was chosen for the award based on an interview that assessed initiative, need, and community and work experience.

Crystal Donahue, daughter of Peter and Elaine Donahue, is the winner of an NLHC clients' children scholarship. Crystal graduated from Laval High School in Placentia with an average of 88 per cent in level III courses. She is currently attending Memorial University, and her plans for the future include attending law school.

Sammy Khalili is the son of Clarines Rincon and Dr. Hassan Khalili. Clarines is the librarian in NLHC's Resource Centre. Sammy gradutated from Beaconsfield High School in St. John's with an average of 95.11 per cent in level III courses. He is pursuing a degree in life sciences at Queen�s University in Kingston, Ontario, with future plans for medical school.

Sarah Whelan is the daughter of David and Deborah Whelan. David is the sales and service manager in the property services division. Sarah graduated from Mount Pearl Senior High School with an average of 79.33 per cent in level III courses. She is currently attending Memorial University in St. John's where she is completing a bachelor of arts degree, with her sights also set on a degree in languages.

Christopher White is the son of Juanita Ivany. Juanita is a clerk typist in the human resources division. Christopher graduated from Mount Pearl Senior High School with an average of 78.67 per cent in level III courses. He is currently attending Memorial University in St. John's, and in the future, plans to pursue a degree in electrical engineering.

CENTRAL
Amanda Foss of Bishop's Falls and Angela Mercer of Grand Falls-Windsor are the recipients of $750 scholarships awarded by NLHC for the Central region.

Amanda Foss, daughter of Diane Foss, is the winner of an NLHC clients' children scholarship. She graduated from Leo Burke Academy in Bishop's Falls, with an average of 79.88 per cent in level III courses. Amanda is currently attending Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Corner Brook, where she plans to complete a degree in psychology.

Angela Mercer is the daughter of Heather and Gerald Mercer. Heather is a housing administration officer in the Grand Falls Regional Office. Angela graduated from Exploits Valley High in Grand Falls-Windsor, with an average of 84.25 per cent in level III courses, and is currently attending Memorial University in St. John's. She is completing the courses required for first year general studies, and has not yet decided on a major area of study.

WESTERN/LABRADOR
Roxanne Thomas of Corner Brook, and Connie Alley of St. David's are the recipients of $750 scholarships awarded by NLHC for the Western/Labrador region.

Roxanne Thomas, winner of the adult scholarship, is currently attending Academy Canada in Corner Brook, and her program of study is office administration technology. Ms. Thomas was chosen for the award based on an interview that assessed initiative, need, and community and work experience.

Connie Alley, daughter of Paula Alley, is the winner of an NLHC clients' children scholarship. She graduated from E.A. Butler Central High School in McKay's with an average of 90.5 per cent in level III courses. Connie is currently attending Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Corner Brook, where she is enrolled in the social cultural program.

There were no applicants for the employees' children scholarhip for the Western/Labrador Region.

Winners of the adult scholarships are selected based on an interview that assesses initiative, community and work experience, and need.

Winners of the clients' and employees' children scholarships are chosen based on their overall average in level III courses. Applicants must achieve a minimum average of 75 per cent in final year high school courses to be considered eligible.

For further information: Madonna Walsh, NLHC, (709) 724-3059.

2000 12 22 12:40 p.m.