A second student from the Isle of Man is being given the chance to study at the University of Idaho this year under a scholarship administered by the Department of Education and Children (DEC).
Former St Ninian's High School and Castle Rushen High School student Catherine Breed was chosen as the winner of the 2015/16 Ella Olesen scholarship to spend a year at the university.
The scholarship is awarded annually to a female degree student who has been supported through her studies by the DEC. It is named after the late Miss Ella Olesen, a former registrar of the university who died in 1985. Her Manx ancestry – her mother Margaret Teare was born in Ballaugh and emigrated to America in 1890 – led her to gift the scholarship in 1971.
Catherine, 21, of Pooil Vaaish, who is completing a degree in history at Cambridge University, was chosen from among five candidates interviewed.
After the university agreed to fund a second scholarship this year, another candidate, Bethany Quayle, will join Catherine when she travels to the United States in August.
Bethany, 20, of Colby, went to Castle Rushen High School and is studying for a degree in primary education at Bangor University.
A talented gymnast and gymnastics coach, Bethany has represented the Island at competitions throughout the UK and in Canada. She took part in the opening ceremony of the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games.
She has been her university's gymnastics captain for two years running and last year achieved half colour (awarded by universities for excellence) for her role. She was part of the Bangor cheerleading squad that came second at University Nationals last year and is a handball player. She has helped raise money for several charities. Her ambition is to teach children with special needs.
Bethany said:
'I'm so excited to have been given this once in a lifetime opportunity to study in America. I'm looking forward to broadening my knowledge of the education system in a different environment, to enhance my aspirations of becoming a teacher. I hope to immerse myself in the university community by exploring the many things Idaho has to offer.'
This year's scholar, Lorrae Fox, has almost completed her year at Idaho and will return to the Island in June.
She said:
'My time as an Ella Olesen scholar has been nothing short of life changing. I've fulfilled everything I wanted to do coming out here and so much more. I am thankful for everything being the "Ella girl" this year has given me and it's been a privilege to represent our wonderful Island. Bethany and Catherine should prepare for the most awesome experience and make the most of the endless opportunities on offer.'
