A Northeast Kings Education Centre student is the 2017 recipient of the Dr. P. Anthony Johnstone Memorial Entrance Scholarship. Shirley Hodder of Gibson Woods, Kings County, was awarded the $6,000 scholarship at her graduation ceremony today, June 28. The scholarship was presented in recognition of her community leadership.Ms. Hodder said she has always been interested in helping others and is honoured to join the ranks of previous scholarship recipients."I am excited to begin my post-secondary studies in the health industry, and learn more about how to make it easier for people to access health care," she said. "I hope to one day help improve health-care systems both locally and abroad."Ms. Hodder said a recent leadership trip to Mexico helped fuel her passion for health care. She currently volunteers at Valley Regional Hospital and with her school's youth action committee helping raise donations for the Canning Area food bank. "Shirley has demonstrated a clear commitment to improving her community and helping those in need," said Labi Kousoulis, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. "Her commitment and drive will serve her well as she embarks on her post-secondary studies."Ms. Hodder will attend Dalhousie University in the fall, working toward a bachelor of science, before pursuing a nursing degree. The scholarship is a tribute to the late Tony Johnstone, a long-time educator and human rights advocate who devoted his life to promoting multicultural understanding and social equality. He was executive director of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission from 1985 to 1989.     Applicants must be Nova Scotians graduating from high school who are pursuing an undergraduate degree program at a Maritime university in the fall. Students considered must also demonstrate interest in multiculturalism and human rights.This year 53 eligible applications were reviewed.Source: Release