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Wright family doubles scholarship

One of Prince Edward Island's oldest families doubled its endowment to the Holland College Foundation recently with a gift of almost $25,000, bringing the total amount of the Wright Family Scholarship Fund to approximately $50,000.

The Wrights are direct descendants of Deputy Surveyor Thomas Wright, who brought his family to Prince Edward Island in 1769 to work with then Surveyor General Samuel Holland, the college's namesake. Thomas Wright subsequently became Surveyor General for Prince Edward Island, and two of his sons and a grandson followed in his footsteps.

George and Velma Wright established the Thomas Wright Scholarship Fund in 1995. With their latest gift, the Wrights have increased the value of the scholarship significantly to provide financial assistance to students entering carpentry, plumbing and electrical technology. The Wright endowment has been permanently invested, so that the scholarship can be awarded annually in perpetuity.

George Wright sees the scholarship as a way to help individuals at a crucial time in their lives.

"The rising cost of education and the financial challenges students face as they strive to acquire their education and training can be very discouraging. It is our hope that the scholarship will enable deserving students to focus on their studies by alleviating their financial worries somewhat," he said. "It is also meant to emphasize the career opportunities available in the basic trades, an area in which Holland College provides excellent instruction."

Noting that Mr. Wright is a past chair of the Holland College Board of Governors, Holland College President Brian McMillan says the scholarship is an excellent example of how the province's community leaders can help worthy students to reach their fullest potential, thereby strengthening communities throughout the province and across the region.

"The Wright family have been supporters of Holland College for many years," he said. "By providing financial assistance to deserving students, the Wrights continue the long standing tradition of social responsibility for which their family is well-known. I know that the students who receive these scholarships will appreciate not only the financial support, but also the boost in morale they provide."

This entrance scholarship is valued at approximately $2,000, to be awarded annually to a student in the carpentry, plumbing and electrical technology programs who, on admission to the program demonstrates through previous academic performance and other aspects of the recruitment and selections process, outstanding potential for successful participation in their program of choice. Applications will also be assessed on the basis of financial need.

For more information about this release, please contact:
Sara Underwood, Media and Communications Officer
Tel: 902-566-9695
Date: Monday, January 16, 2006