2012 Johnstone Scholarship Awarded

Grade 12 graduate Lucy Wallace of Wolfville is the 2012 recipient of the province's $6,000 Dr. P. Anthony Johnstone Memorial Entrance Scholarship.

"A university education is increasingly valuable in today's world and I am pleased the province is helping Lucy Wallace to follow her dreams," said Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

Education Minister Ramona Jennex presented the scholarship at Horton High School's graduation ceremony today, June 28.

Ms. Wallace will study at University of King's College in the fall, working toward an honours journalism degree.

She said her best high school subjects were art and english, and that people with individual thoughts and ambition are the best role models.

"Malcolm X, Beth Ditto, Margaret Atwood and Madonna are definitely my biggest inspirations,' Ms. Wallace said.

Asked about her extra-curricular interests, she said, "I work with youth, to educate and provide support. And I speak in the community and schools about my experience as a transgendered woman."

Ms. Wallace also speaks out about the inequalities minorities face in Nova Scotia, and writes for magazines and newspapers.

"Showing people you can be yourself and succeed is the biggest contribution I have personally completed," she said. "I want people to know that trans people are the same as everyone else, and that we need equal rights and, oftentimes, support."

Ms. Wallace wants to start a magazine spotlighting transgendered people and rights, adding journalism skills she will learn at King's to her existing graphic design and photography abilities.

"Lucy maintained a strong academic performance while participating in numerous social justice groups at Horton," said guidance counsellor George Armstrong. "She provided both staff and students at Horton with the opportunity to grow through courageous conversations about transgender issues."

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 live in Nova Scotia, graduate from a high school in the province, and begin 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, 62 eligible applications were reviewed by a committee.

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.