2011 Johnstone Scholarship Awarded

Lockview High Grade 12 student Jennifer Yakamovich of Fall River, Halifax Regional Municipality, will receive the $6,000 Dr. P. Anthony Johnstone Memorial Entrance Scholarship for 2011.

She enters Dalhousie University in the fall, working towards a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in International Development and Environment and Sustainability.

"Jennifer is leading by example, teaching us how to help our neighbours, across the street and across the globe," said Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. "She is an exceptional person, a gifted scholar and an excellent role model to her peers."

Between February and May, Ms. Yakamovich travelled to India, living with host families in several communities, learning about the cultures and languages of the region, and tutoring Tibetan refugees.

"Being in northern India was amazing. I was inspired by how simple peoples' lives were and how happy they could be with very little," said Ms. Yakamovich. "I want to see more of the world and to be a benefit to it. Studying international development at Dalhousie will help me to do that, to promote social change."

Maintaining a 95 per cent average in Grades 11 and 12, Ms. Yakamovich served on Lockview's students' council, was an award-winning leader and mentor in band, and organized several fundraising events to help those less fortunate. She also worked at a local bookstore where she organized a weekly children's arts and crafts program.

"Jennifer has a record of consistent excellence and has achieved high honours since she entered high school," said Lockview guidance counsellor Susan Noiles. She received the highest marks in French, African Nova Scotian studies 11, music 10 and 11, and band awards in grades 9 to 11."

The Dr. P. Anthony Johnstone Memorial Entrance Scholarship is given annually to one student in the province who excels academically and displays a commitment to human rights.

To be eligible, a student must be living in Nova Scotia, graduating from a high school in the province, and beginning an undergraduate degree program in a Maritime university in the fall. The applicant must also have a demonstrated interest in multiculturalism and human rights.

This year, 85 eligible applications were reviewed by a committee, almost double the applications from five years ago.

Nova Scotia established the scholarship in 1991 to honour the life and work of the late Tony Johnstone, a long-time educator and human rights advocate. Dr. Johnstone devoted his life to promoting multicultural understanding and social equality.