BOSTON — First Wind, an independent U.S.-based wind energy company, announced the 2013 recipients for their First Wind Scholars program. Scholarships have been awarded to college-bound students from communities where the company currently has a project in operation or in an advanced stage of development.
Five of this year’s 16 national recipients are from Maine. Brandon Bourgoin from Lee Academy, Kayla Cushman from Central Aroostook High School, Savannah Jackson from Ellsworth High School, Devon Logie from Hodgdon High School and Emily Massey from East Grand High School have all received $3,000 scholarships.
“Our scholarship award program has gained momentum over the years and this year we couldn’t be happier to have received a record number of applications from exceptional high school students in the communities where we develop and operate wind projects,” said Carol Grant, senior vice president of external affairs for First Wind. “This is truly an investment in our future and we look forward to seeing the advancements made by these future energy, environment, science and technology leaders.”
The First Wind Scholars program was started in 2009 as a way to support college-bound high school seniors in the communities where the company has projects in operation or in an advanced stage of development. The awards support exceptional high school students who plan to pursue studies on the environment, energy or the sciences. The program has grown each year and scholarships have been awarded to 60 students totaling more than $250,000.
The local 2013 recipients from Maine are:
Kayla Cushman from Mars Hill and a soon-to-be graduate of Central Aroostook High School. She is an MPA athlete scholar award winner and participated on the varsity softball and basketball teams. She was awarded Miss Mars Hill Pageant Queen and also assists with other community activities. In the fall, Cushman plans to attend the Ohio State University to study biology.
Devon Logie from Linneus, who will graduate from Hodgdon High School, is the president of his class, president of the student council and captain of the varsity basketball team. In the fall, Logie plans to attend the University of Maine, Orono to study engineering.
Emily Massey from Danforth, who will graduate from East Grand High School, is the valedictorian of her class, as well as president of her class, president of student council, co-captain of the varsity soccer team and member of the National Honor Society. Massey is also the recipient of the MPA Principal’s Award. In the fall, she plans on studying medical radiography at Eastern Maine Community College.
For more information on First Wind Scholars, visit www.firstwind.com/scholarships.
