Ascension Collegiate Student Named 2013 Pearson Scholar

Zoë Wilkins, a Level II student at Ascension Collegiate in Bay Roberts, is the recipient of the 2013 Lester B. Pearson Scholarship for Newfoundland and Labrador, one of the province’s most prestigious scholarships.

“Zoë was selected on the basis of academic achievement, volunteer activities and qualities of character made evident in a detailed application and interview process,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “I offer my sincere best wishes to Zoë, her family, her teachers, and the Ascension Collegiate school community. It is clear that this province continues to produce many remarkable young people who are making their mark in this province, this country, and around the world. This once in a lifetime opportunity will no doubt help Zoë fulfill her long-term goals.”

The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is valued at $34,000 annually for a total of $68,000 provided for two years of pre-university study at Pearson College, a United World College in Victoria, B.C. The total value of the scholarship is $80,000, with additional support provided by corporate and community sponsors. In September, Zoë will join Asia Holloway, a former student at Heritage Collegiate in Lethbridge, who was awarded the scholarship last year.

Zoë is involved in a wide variety of school and community activities. She participates on several school committees and in school and community-based choirs and bands. She was elected vice-president of her student council and is a member of the math team. Outside of school, Zoë is an avid community volunteer and teaches violin.

“It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Zoë on this tremendous accomplishment,” said Glen Littlejohn, MHA for Port de Grave. “Zoë is an amazing young woman whose gift for giving back is second only to her keen mind and wonderful caring heart. She will be a great student representative of this province at this prestigious academic institution.”

For more information on Pearson College, visit: www.pearsoncollege.ca/ . For information on Provincial Government high school scholarships, visit: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/highschool/scholarships.html

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2013 05 21                                       10:30 a.m.