First Wind awards scholarships
to Maine students
Officials with First Wind, an independent U.S.-based wind energy company, have 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. Local recipients include:
• Kayla Cushman is from Mars Hill and a graduate of Central Aroostook High School. Kayla is an MPA Athlete Scholar Award recipient and participated on the varsity softball and basketball teams. She was named Miss Mars Hill and also assists with other community activities. In the fall, Kayla plans to attend Ohio State University to study biology;
• Devon Logie, from Linneus, is a graduate of Hodgdon High School. Devon is the president of his class, president of the Student Council and captain of the varsity basketball team. In the fall, Devon plans to attend the University of Maine at Orono to study engineering; and
• Emily Massey, of Danforth, is a graduate of East Grand High School. Emily is the valedictorian and president of her class, president of Student Council, co-captain of the varsity soccer team and member of the National Honor Society. Emily is also the recipient of the MPA Principal’s Award. In the fall, Emily plans on studying medical radiography at Eastern Maine Community College.
First Wind owns and operates five projects in the state of Maine with a total of 219 MW. The Mars Hill Project contains 28 turbines with a capacity of 42 megawatts (MW), Stetson I contains 38 turbines and Stetson II contains 17 turbines with a combined capacity of 83 MW, the Rollins Wind Project in Lincoln contains 40 turbines with a capacity of 60 MW and the Bull Hill project in Hancock County contains 19 turbines with a capacity of 34 MW.
For more information on First Wind Scholars, visit www.firstwind.com/scholarships.
