BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS

The FESF’s first scholarship recipients have come full circle, with the very first about to graduate with a degree in marine biology, and the newest breathing a sigh of relief to have his initial year at university behind him. Learn how all three FESF scholars have had their lives changed—including in ways they may never have anticipated—through the generosity of Roger Earle‘s and Kane Fernandez‘ fishing friends.

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Vision comes to fruition

by SUZANNE EVANS

As one Fernandez Earle Scholarship Foundation (FESF) student accomplishes her degree, another is set to take to the academic halls of Hawaii.

The selection process will get underway at schools in the Queen Charlotte Islands next year, when the FESF board members will decide who will be the next lucky recipient.

Currently the $100,000 price tag required for living expenses, flights and tuition fees when sending a student on a four year degree program to a university in Hawaii, means one outstanding high achiever is sent every two years.

After an intensive interview process, another star pupil will join the three existing Haida Gwaii high school graduates on the road to achieving a solid education in the field of sciences.

“We never thought the scholarship foundation would grow to the extent that it has,” says Irv Ridd, director for FESF, who points out the board of directors are thorougly pleased to be awarding the number of scholarships they have to date. “It’s something that almost has its own energy, and that coupled with the strong motivated board on both sides of the boarder has propelled us to levels we never imagined.”

While a handful of Queen Charlotte high school pupils prepare their presentations in anticipation of becoming the next FESF contender, graduation will take place this summer for the first student lucky enough to receive a university scholarship.

Meghan Deagle will take a Bachelor of Science degree back home to British Columbia after spending four years studying at the University of Hawaii. Completing her degree was a time, the soon-to-be-graduate says, that passed by very quickly and one that she will remember as a chance of a lifetime.

“I have the FESF to thank for starting me out on this journey and giving me the chance to live a dream,” Deagle says. “I can’t tell you where I would be in life had I not been blessed with the opportunities FESF has provided me, but I can tell you with 100 per cent certainty that it would not be in Hawaii with a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology under my belt and a smile on my face.”

Although Deagle says she will be beaming and bursting with delight when receiving her diploma confirming her achievement, she’s still unsure what the future holds, but is hoping to spend a further year in Hawaii in a work experience position.

With the education provided by a scholarship awarded by FESF, a solid career in the marine biology arena is inevitable for Deagle and the FESF board members couldn’t be happier to see their first prodigy finish university with flying colours.

“The entire board is very proud of our first choice Meghan Deagle. Hopefully she’ll apply her education wisely to contribute to the conservation of the Pacific Ocean,” says Ridd. “She took full advantage of this opportunity and to that end we’re extremely proud of her.”

FESF News 2006

View the 2006 FESF Newspaper online in PDF format. Click here.

It's truly remarkable
An article from the 2005 FESF News.

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