News release

Park View Grad To Attend Harvard

Education and Culture (to July 1999)

Academic. Artistic. Athletic. These words describe Emma Wendt, who graduated from Park View Education Centre in Bridgewater this year.

Ms. Wendt excels in academics. Throughout the year, she was top of her class -- with a 97 per cent average -- in the international baccalaureate diploma program. And she received awards as the top student in the school's math and science departments.

This fall, Ms. Wendt will attend Harvard, on a $25,000 (US) per year scholarship. She also grabbed a national scholarship through the Junior Achievement Program, one of only two Canadians to receive this honour. This summer, she will go to an advanced science camp called Shad Valley and join like-minded high school students for a month of science, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Her skills are not limited to studies. Ms. Wendt is adept at the French horn, trombone and violin. She plays in the school's concert and jazz bands. Last summer, she was an assistant at band camp. She enjoys playing her instruments, but admits her career will likely be in a field outside of music.

"Learning to play these instruments was the important part. I hope that in the future I will be able to pick up my horn and play for a local band or just for my own enjoyment," she says.

Athletics also plays an important role in her life. Wendt plays soccer on the Chester under-19 soccer team, as well as her school team. Playing on her local team keeps her physically fit and involved with the community.

In school, Wendt volunteered on student council and served as co-chair of Youth for Social Justice. She was also a member of the graduation and safe grad committees.

Cooking is another passion, although her future career path is cloudy. "Though I enjoy science, this decision is not definitive, and I have several other paths I could follow. I could envision myself as a chemical engineer, but also as an economist, and possibly as a master chef," she says.

Her school counselor says Ms. Wendt is well-rounded. "Emma combines a seriousness in her own academic pursuits with a great awareness and concern for others. Her bright intellect, strong work ethic, positive attitude, and quiet leadership skills will take her far," says Charlotte Brooks.


NOTE TO EDITORS: To arrange a photograph, please contact Andrea MacKenzie at the above number or e-mail address.