Premier Pat Binns announced today that Alana Dawn Coyle of Kinkora is the recipient of the inaugural Government of PEI Marine Atlantic scholarship, valued at $3,310. The annual scholarship will be awarded to a dependent of a former Marine Atlantic employee, to recognize the valuable contributions Marine Atlantic employees make to our province and our way of life.
Alana is the daughter of Mary Coyle, a seven year employee of Marine Atlantic. Alana graduated from Kinkora Regional High School in June 1998 and is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program at UPEI.
"I would like to congratulate Alana Coyle on receiving the inaugural Government of PEI Marine Atlantic scholarship," said Premier Binns. "This scholarship will serve as a tribute to Marine Atlantic employees for their outstanding service to PEI."
Twelve young Islanders applied for the scholarship which was open to students entering post-secondary study for the first time in September 1998. 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.
Premier Binns noted that the selection committee was very impressed by the high calibre of the applicants.