Premier Pat Binns announced today that Wendy Gallant of Borden is the recipient of the second annual Government of PEI Marine Atlantic scholarship, valued at $3,400.
The scholarship is awarded annually to the son or daughter of a Marine Atlantic employee in recognition of the contribution the Marine Atlantic ferry service made to the development of the Island and the important role it played in the lives of Islanders.
"I congratulate Wendy Gallant on being awarded this prestigious scholarship," said Premier Binns. "This scholarship serves as an ongoing reminder of the excellent public service Marine Atlantic employees provided to Islanders."
Wendy is the daughter of Geraldine Gallant, a 19-year employee of Marine Atlantic, and her husband Blaine. Wendy graduated from Three Oaks Senior High School in June 1999 and is currently enrolled in the Accounting Technology program at Holland College.
Three Islanders applied for the scholarship which was open to students entering post-secondary study for the first time in September 1999. Eligible applicants were dependents of former PEI Marine Atlantic employees, who were employed by the company (Borden-Cape Tormentine service) between January 1, 1994 to June 6, 1997 and who had a minimum of five years of regular service at the time of their termination of employment with Marine Atlantic.
Members of the Marine Atlantic Awards selection committee included representatives from the Department of Education, Marine Atlantic, Holland College, UPEI, the PEI Educational Society and the community. The selection committee was pleased with the high caliber of the applicants.