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

Corner Brook Student Awarded Students on Ice Scholarship

Terri Woods-Boone, a Grade 9 student from Corner Brook, has been named Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s (NLHC) Students on Ice scholarship winner for 2012.

As this year’s recipient, Ms. Woods-Boone will participate in the Students on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition 2012, joining 80 high school, college and university students from around the world on a two-week ship-bound expedition to the eastern Canadian Arctic this summer.

“This unique experience will enable this young woman to gain a truly global perspective on the environmental challenges facing this planet,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “This is a world-class experience and we are pleased to help make it a reality for a dedicated student in our province.”

This is the second year NLHC has partnered with the Students on Ice organization in order to provide an opportunity for a young person to participate in this popular educational program.

“I congratulate Ms. Woods-Boone for earning this tremendous opportunity,” said Vaughn Granter, MHA for Humber West. “I’m sure she will be a fine ambassador for the province, and I hope she enjoys every moment of this once in a lifetime educational experience.”

For the past 11 years, Students on Ice has been taking young people to the Arctic and Antarctic regions in order to educate them on the pressing challenges facing the circumpolar regions. The goal of the program is to empower students to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and other environmental, social and geopolitical issues. While on their Arctic expedition this summer, participants will be accompanied by a team of 35 scientists, historians, artists, explorers, educators, leaders, innovators and polar experts. Students will encounter wildlife and visit Arctic communities while learning about the effects of climate change on Arctic ecosystems. Participants will also learn about scientific and traditional knowledge systems, and participate in hands-on research activities.

“When this opportunity was mentioned to me, I wanted to do it right away,” said Ms. Woods-Boone. “I want to make a difference in the world, and I believe this program will help me do that because it brings together students from many cultures to learn about the environment and what we can do to protect it. I thank the NLHC for this scholarship, and I look forward to telling stories about the trip when I get back.”

Ms. Woods-Boone was among several student tenants who entered NLHC’s essay contest and was selected as scholarship winner by an internal NLHC committee. The cost of the expedition is $9,500 per student and covers all expenses, including flights, accommodations, meals, and the educational program.

Described as a role model for her peers, Ms. Woods-Boone volunteers at Dunfield Park Community Centre in Corner Brook as a tutor in the centre’s Homework Haven program. She also helps supervise the Kids Eat Smart program. Always eager to learn, she has participated in several workshops including teen suicide prevention, drug awareness and prevention, bullying awareness, mental health and additions, and she is certified in First Aid.

To be eligible for NLHC sponsorship, students must be between 14 and 18 years of age and full-time high school students whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are NLHC tenants.

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Photo: Grade 9 student Terri Woods-Boone has been awarded the 2012 NLHC Students on Ice Scholarship and will take part in an educational expedition to the eastern Canadian Arctic this summer.

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2012 04 13             1:55 p.m.