Education
May 12, 2014

The following statement was read today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education:

Minister Congratulates 2014 Pearson Scholarship Winner

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Isaac Bonisteel of New Harbour, a Level II student at Crescent Collegiate, who is this year’s recipient of the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Isaac was selected based on his academic achievement, involvement in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, and exceptional volunteerism. As noted last week by my colleague, the MHA for Bellevue, Isaac, his family, his teachers, and the entire Crescent Collegiate school community has every reason to be very proud.

Isaac is involved in a wide variety of school and community activities, Mr. Speaker. He participates on several school committees, the drama troupe, and in the school band. Outside of school, he plays piano, is a member of Allied Youth, a volunteer with Canadian Blood Services, and more. He is also an exceptional athlete, an accomplished runner, and plays soccer on the provincial under-18 team.

Mr. Speaker, this scholarship presents a once in a lifetime opportunity and will no doubt help Isaac fulfill his long-term goals. The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is valued at $80,000 for two years of pre-university study at Pearson College, a United World College in Victoria, B.C. The Department of Education contributes $68,000 to that total, with the remainder provided through corporate and community sponsors. In September, Isaac will join Zoë Wilkins, a former student at Ascension Collegiate in Bay Roberts, who was awarded the scholarship last year.

Meanwhile, in a rather noteworthy twist, Isaac’s sister, Erin Bonisteel, was the 2011 Lester B. Pearson Scholarship winner. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues in this House to join me in congratulating Isaac, and wishing him all the best in his future endeavours.

2014 05 12                                 1:45 p.m.