Bright Future for Students Winning Energy Scholarship

NOTE: A list of this year's scholarship winners and their schools follows this release.

Sixteen students from across the province have been awarded the Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship, helping them achieve steps toward their future careers in the energy sector.

The scholarship is offered to Nova Scotia high school students pursuing post-secondary studies in an energy-related field.

Eight young Nova Scotians enrolled in energy-related university programs will receive a renewable scholarship of $2,500 per year for four years. Eight other students enrolled in trades and technology programs at the Nova Scotia Community College will receive a one-time scholarship of $2,500.

"I am so excited and grateful to have received the Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship. It will be a huge help in achieving my dream of becoming a biologist, says Brighid Odenthal, a 2015 scholarship recipient. "This is an amazing opportunity for Nova Scotian students. I strongly encourage anyone looking to study in the energy sector to apply."

Pengrowth Energy Corporation, Pengrowth Management Limited and the Government of Nova Scotia together have invested more than $3 million to give students the opportunity to pursue their passions in the energy sector. Since 2005, more than 200 scholarships have been awarded.

"Pengrowth is once again proud to celebrate Nova Scotia's remarkable students," says Jim MacDonald, director of Pengrowth's East Coast operations. "I have been fortunate enough to meet most of the recipients of the scholarship and have heard, from them, what a positive impact the scholarship has made to their lives."

"Government is proud to partner with Pengrowth to support these 16 young Nova Scotians as they begin their energy-related studies," said Michel Samson, Energy Minister. "The energy sector holds great opportunity both here in Nova Scotia and around the world -- and I have no doubt these smart and talented young people have bright futures ahead."

Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship Program recipients are chosen based on academic standing, community involvement and interest in the Nova Scotia energy industry. Scholarship recipients are enrolled at Nova Scotia Community College and in widely recognized programs at universities across Canada.

Pengrowth Energy Corporation is a dividend-paying intermediate Canadian oil and natural gas producer, located in Calgary, Alberta.

Following is a list of the 2015 scholarship recipients with high school, chosen institution and program: University

• Adam Campbell, Halifax West High School, Dalhousie University, Bachelor of Engineering
• Brighid Odenthal, Citadel High School, University of King's College, Bachelor of Science
• Devin Martheleur, Riverview Rural High School, Cape Breton University, Bachelor of Engineering
• Hillary Benoit, École Beau-Port, St. Francis Xavier University, Bachelor of Science
• Kari Middleton, Richmond Education Centre, St. Francis Xavier University, Bachelor of Science
• Sarah Pace, Northeast Kings Education Centre, Acadia University, Bachelor of Science
• Thayne Hebb, Cobequid Educational Centre, University of New Brunswick, Bachelor of Engineering
• Thomas Mosher, Citadel High School, Queen's University, Bachelor of Science

Nova Scotia Community College

• Briana Fougere, East Antigonish Education Centre, Power Engineering Technology
• Daniel Lohnes, New Germany Rural High School, Electronic Engineering Technology
• Jillian Shadbolt, J.L Ilsley High School, Occupational Health and Safety
• Jordan Breen, Glace Bay High School, 4th Class Power Engineering/Process Operations
• Liam Hearn, Richmond Education Centre, Power Engineering Technology
• Marley Geddes, South Colchester Academy, Advanced Diploma in Geographic Information Systems
• Matthew O'Quinn, Sir John A. MacDonald High School, Power Engineering Technology
• Randy Fredericks, Bridgetown Regional High School, Geographic Sciences