69传媒

The co-founder and director of one of Canada鈥檚 most successful publishing houses will give one-on-one feedback to participants of a workshop called The Insider鈥檚 Guide to Writing and Publishing for Young Readers, held July 12 to 14 at the 69传媒.

Rick Wilks, co-founder and director of Annick Press, will co-facilitate the workshop with Cynthia Good, past editorial director, president, and publisher of Penguin Books Canada. The workshop鈥攁 collaboration between 69传媒and Humber College鈥檚 School for Writers and Creative Book Publishing program鈥攊s open to all writers, no matter what stage of writing you鈥檙e at鈥攆rom concept to first draft or beyond.

鈥淲riting a kid鈥檚 book can be an exciting but intimidating task,鈥� said Belle DeMont, a past participant of The Insider鈥檚 Guide who went on to write I Love My Purse, published by Annick in 2017. 鈥淚 came to the Humber PEI writing workshop with many ideas, but had no direction. This course changed that dramatically. The weekend in stunning PEI was spent tapping into every corner of the writing/publishing world. We discussed everything from sentence structure to how to get a publisher鈥檚 attention. We had in-depth critiques of each other鈥檚 works. We were then given options as to what to do with the work once it was completed. Two years after taking this workshop, my first book was published with Annick Press. In truth, this course actually changed my life.鈥�

This summer鈥檚 expanded workshop will have more time devoted to feedback about participants鈥� writing. Wilks has more than 40 years experience in children鈥檚 publishing and has worked with Canada鈥檚 top authors for young readers, including Robert Munsch and Sharon McKay. Wilks will spend time with each participant's writing, with practical tips on how to improve the manuscript.

鈥淭he workshop was very well organized, and the presentations were excellent,鈥� said Don Desserud of Cornwall, PEI, who attended last summer鈥檚 workshop. 鈥淚 was particularly impressed by Cynthia Good and Rick Wilks and their knowledgeable, informed, and sage advice. I learned a lot, much more than I anticipated. I would definitely attend again.鈥�

In addition, Sarah Sawler, a children鈥檚 author and publicist from Halifax, will join the facilitators for a session to highlight what writers need to know about getting their books into the hands of readers.

鈥淭hank you for this incredible opportunity for honest feedback! Thank you for broadening my understanding of the publishing industry and about the writing process,鈥� said Elaine Kachala, who travelled from Toronto for the workshop and to spend time on beautiful PEI.

The workshop will open with a lecture and a reception sponsored by Annick Press. Participants will leave the workshop with new directions for their manuscripts, enriched knowledge of publishing, and an effective query letter.

For more information, including details on the workshop, accommodations, and how to register, visit .

The 69传媒 prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥�69传媒has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 69传媒is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

The following is a release from .

Nobel Peace Prize nominee Sheila Watt-Cloutier will be the keynote presenter at the annual symposium of The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) Thursday, June 21, at 7:00 pm in room 128 of UPEI鈥檚 Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering. All are welcome.

The address, titled Everything is Connected: Environment, Economy, Foreign Policy, Sustainability, Human Rights and Leadership in the 21st Century, will be provided free to the public on National Aboriginal Day. Watt-Cloutier will sign books after her presentation in the RBC Concourse of the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering.

Watt-Cloutier is in the business of transforming public opinion into public policy. Experienced in working with global decision makers for over a decade, Watt-Cloutier offers a new model for 21st century leadership. She speaks with passion and urgency on the issues of today鈥攖he environment, the economy, foreign policy, global health, and sustainability鈥攏ot as separate concerns, but as a deeply interconnected whole. At a time when people are seeking solutions, direction, and a sense of hope, this global leader provides a big picture of where we are and where we're headed.

In 2007, Watt-Cloutier was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy work in showing the impact of global climate change on human rights鈥攅specially in the Arctic, where it is felt more immediately, and more dramatically, than anywhere else in the world. Watt-Cloutier is an Officer of the Order of Canada, and the recipient of the Aboriginal Achievement Award, the UN Champion of the Earth Award, the Norwegian Sophie Prize, and the Right Livelihood Award, which she won in November 2015 and is widely considered the "Nobel Alternative."

Watt-Cloutier is the author of the memoir, The Right to Be Cold: One Woman's Story of Protecting Her Culture, the Arctic and the Whole Planet, published in 2015. The book was nominated for the 2016 BC National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction and the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing. In 2017, the book was shortlisted for CBC Canada Reads, defended by Chantal Kreviazuk. Watt-Cloutier was also shortlisted for the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize.

ACIC, an umbrella organization with more than 60 members across the Atlantic, is holding its annual symposium this year in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The event, titled Walking Together Towards a Sustainable Future, will take place Thursday, June 21, until Saturday, June 23, at the University of Prince Edward island. Find the full agenda at . 

For interviews with Sheila Watt-Cloutier, contact:

Yenny van Andel
Event Coordinator, Speakers鈥� Spotlight 
179 John St, Suite 302, Toronto, ON M5T 1X4
Yenny@speakers.ca
416-345-1559 ext.230

For more information contact:

Janelle Frail
Communications and Membership Officer, Atlantic Council for International Cooperation,
210-2099 Gottingen St., Halifax, NS B3K 3B2,
janelle@acic-caci.org
902.431.2311, (c) 902.430.6486

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UPEI鈥檚 Faculty of Education will host a day of discussion and ideas around education and technology at Edcamp Charlottetown 3.0. The event begins 9:30 am on Saturday, June 9, in Schurman Market Square in UPEI鈥檚 Don and Marion McDougall Hall. All are welcome.

Edcamps define themselves as 鈥渦n-conferences鈥� and function within a now well-established worldwide model, which includes a flexible free flowing agenda that is chosen by the participants themselves on the day, the absence of formal speakers, a no-fee registration policy, and a democratic expectation that all participants join in the conversation equitably. Edcamps encourage people to 鈥渃hoose with their feet鈥� and freely circulate between discussion circles until they find the forums that genuinely engage them. The events are community-based and seek to break down silos and bring together educators, teachers, community, and all key stakeholders in reform. If you have never experienced an edcamp, there is no time like now to try this remarkable formula. Join us for a day of dialogue and community-building.

This year鈥檚 umbrella theme is entitled 鈥淭echucation鈥� and seeks to examine all aspects of the relationship between technology and education. All conversation topics arewelcome. Join us at 9:30 am to suggest and help select discussion topics for the day鈥檚 sessions.

Registration for free . 

Follow all discussions on Twitter throughout the day at #edcampcharlottetown.

Edcamp Charlottetown 3.0 is sponsored by  Canadian Scholars, the Faculty of Education at UPEI, and Implement UDL.

The 69传媒 prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥�69传媒has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 69传媒is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Dr. Richard Lemm, one of PEI鈥檚 best-known authors and a 69传媒English professor for many years, will launch his new poetry book, Jeopardy: New Poems, on Friday, June 29, at 7:00 pm in the Carriage House of Beaconsfield Historic House, located at 2 Kent Street in Charlottetown. Acorn Press, the publisher, will host the launch and reception.

The book opens with 鈥淧rofane and Sacred鈥� poems conjuring myths and journeys鈥擜dam and Eve鈥檚 Edenic choice; a Jewish surgeon鈥檚 pilgrimage to Assisi; the poet鈥檚 grandfather leaving the family farm for America鈥檚 first imperialist war. 鈥淪keletal Blues鈥� explores a couple鈥檚 struggle with mental illness and the quest for healing.

鈥淗istory Lessons鈥� takes readers to the British penal colony in Tasmania, reveals pre- and post-Revolution experiences in Cairo teaching Egyptian students, and encounters an ancient civilization wrestling with cross-currents of modernity and tradition. 鈥淭he Future Hurtling Toward Us鈥� evokes with humour and urgency our ecological reality and environmental crises.

Dr. Lemm has published four other poetry collections, including Burning House, Four Ways of Dealing with Bullies, and Prelude to the Bacchanal, which won the Canadian Authors鈥� Association Award. He has won poetry prizes in the CBC Literary Competition, and a PEI Book Award for Shape of Things to Come.

Dr. Lemm鈥檚 biography of PEI鈥檚 鈥淧eople鈥檚 Poet of Canada,鈥� Milton Acorn: In Love and Anger, received the PEI Heritage and Museum Foundation Award. He edited two anthologies of Island writing: Riptides: New Island Fiction, which won a PEI Book Award and was a finalist for an Atlantic Book Award, and the best-selling Snow Softly Falling: Holiday Stories from PEI. At UPEI, Dr. Lemm teaches creative writing, Canadian literature, and environmental literature.

Congratulations, Dr. Lemm!

The 69传媒 prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥�69传媒has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 69传媒is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Researchers from UPEI鈥檚 Climate Research Lab are continuing their tour of Prince Edward Island communities to discuss sea-level rise. The team will hold public presentations in Georgetown, Victoria, Alberton, and Morell. All are welcome.

The presentations will help increase our understanding and awareness of the impacts of sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surges, and discuss tools for adaptation and coastal planning. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and discuss what sea-level rise means for Islanders.

The Climate Research Lab summer tour will be in:

• Georgetown: Tuesday, July 3, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Kings Playhouse, 65 Grafton Street, Georgetown
• Victoria: Wednesday, July 4, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in Victoria Schoolhouse, 730 Victoria Road, Victoria
• Alberton: Monday, July 9, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in Alberton Community Centre, 1 College Street, Alberton
• Morell: Tuesday, July 10, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the Rossiter Park Community Building, 3 Riverside Drive, Morell

These events are free and open to all members of the public and will run approximately two hours. Refreshments will be provided.

Please RSVP by emailing climate@upei.ca or calling (902) 894-2852.

The workshops are part of the national Educating Coastal Communities About Sea-level Rise (ECoAS) project, which is supported by financial contributions from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the 69传媒Climate Research Lab, the Mi鈥檏maq Confederacy of PEI, and the Ecology Action Centre. For more information about the project, please visit .

The 69传媒 prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥�69传媒has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 69传媒is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

The thirteenth biennial L.M. Montgomery Institute Conference will feature a free public concert by Canadian women鈥檚 musical oral historian Rosalee Peppard. Peppard will perform her song portrait of the Island鈥檚 literary icon Lucy Maud Montgomery on Friday, June 22, at 7:30 pm in the Holland College鈥檚 Florence Simmons Hall. The evening will begin with a reading by Prince Edward Island鈥檚 poet laureate, Deirdre Kessler. All are welcome to this free event.

Details for the full conference, including the schedule and instructions on how to register, can be found at . The conference runs June 21 through 24 in Charlottetown, PEI.

The four-day conference, L.M. Montgomery and Reading, will provide a forum to explore the idea and the role of reading as it applies to Montgomery. It will present opportunities to reflect upon and re-read the state of Montgomery studies and share insight about the past, present, and future of its inherently interdisciplinary work.

Montgomery herself studied, collected, and passionately re-read favorite books and cherished her literary encounters so deeply that they have become part of the fabric of her own writing. The conference seeks to tease out these threads and explore how communities of scholars and readers to share work that reflects on the intertextual potentials of Montgomery studies.

鈥淭he 2018 conference will bring together seasoned scholars, graduate students, independent scholars, and general readers to explore new questions for research and scholarly discussion about one of Canada鈥檚 best-known and loved authors and her works,鈥� said Dr. Emily Woster, LMMI visiting scholar, conference co-chair, and assistant professor in English, Linguistics, and Writing Studies at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

The conference aims to explore the ways that reading, in all its forms and possibilities, has influenced Montgomery and her millions of readers and viewers over time. Delegates will explore the reception of Montgomery鈥檚 writings nationally and internationally with cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural conversations about her life and work. This 25^th anniversary conference will reflect on the past, present and future of Montgomery studies.

The conference committee received more proposals for papers and presentations than ever before and selected 64 speakers from 11 countries.

鈥淭he L.M. Montgomery Institute at 69传媒promotes research into, and informed celebration of, the life, works, culture, and influence of Montgomery,鈥� said Dr. Philip Smith, LMMI committee chair. 鈥淲e have a rich network of local, national, and international Montgomery scholars and enthusiasts. The conference welcomes both academics and community members, and anyone with an interest in Montgomery is encouraged to register.鈥�

Conference keynote speakers:

Elizabeth Epperly, BA, MA, Ph.D., LL.D., fourth president of the 69传媒, professor emerita of English, founder of the L.M. Montgomery Institute at UPEI, imagined she was reading Montgomery for herself even though her eyes were closed and she was just learning to manage the alphabet鈥攕o effortlessly did she enter Montgomery鈥檚 world when her father read to her sister and to her. Many Montgomery-related and inspired essays, talks, and books later, Epperly is a world-renowned Montgomery scholar. Her most recent works include a creative memoir, Power Notes: Leadership by Analogy (Rock鈥檚 Mills Press, 2017), and a children鈥檚 book, Summer in the Land of Anne (illustrated by her sister Carolyn Epperly), published by Acorn Press.

Margaret Mackey is professor emerita in the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alberta. Her work on her own early literacies and texts culminated in the publication of One Child Reading: My Auto- Bibliography (University of Alberta Press, 2016), recently named as the Scholarly and Academic Book of the Year for 2017 by the Book Publishers Association of Alberta. In 2017 she was also honoured by the Children's Literature Association with the Anne Devereux Jordan Award for lasting contributions in scholarship and service.

Catherine Sheldrick Ross is professor emerita and former dean of the Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) at Western. With a longstanding research interest in leisure reading, she has published scholarly articles and books on various aspects of the pleasure-reading experience. Catherine Ross has just completed a new co-authored book, Reading Still Matters: What the Research Reveals about Reading, Libraries, and Community (Libraries Unlimited, in press). Other recent books include The Pleasures of Reading: A Booklover's Alphabet (Libraries Unlimited 2014). In 2013, she received the Margaret E. Munroe Award given by the American Library Association for 鈥渟ignificant contributions to library adult services.鈥�

Emily Woster is the current visiting scholar for the L.M. Montgomery Institute and an assistant professor in the Department of English, Linguistics, and Writing Studies at the University of Minnesota Duluth. She earned her Ph.D. in English Studies at Illinois State University. Emily鈥檚 work has focused primarily on the reading lives and textual worlds of L.M. Montgomery, including a chapter in L.M. Montgomery鈥檚 Rainbow Valleys: The Ontario Years, 1911-1942. Her broader research interests straddle the worlds between women鈥檚 life writing, children鈥檚 literature, and English studies. Emily is managing editor of a/b: Auto/Biography Studies.

The conference also celbrates the L.M. Montgomery Institutes 25^th anniversary. Full details can be found at .

The 69传媒 prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥�69传媒has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 69传媒is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

The 69传媒鈥檚 interdisciplinary Asian Studies Program will host an international conference on Asian Studies from June 14 to 15 in the SDU Main Building鈥檚 Faculty Lounge.

The conference, 鈥淕ood and Evil in Korean Philosophy, Religion, and Spirituality: Korean Ideas and their Global Implications,鈥� will include five interesting and engaging panels featuring 16 prominent and promising scholars from Korea, Japan, Canada, and the USA. They will discuss Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, and related topics, comparative studies, and Japan鈥檚 famous 鈥淜yoto School鈥� (Zen and comparative philosophy/theology).

The opening keynote speech, 鈥淓vil and Theodicy in the Buddhist Tradition,鈥� will be presented by Dr. Robert E. Buswell Jr., Irving and Jean Stone, Endowed Chair in Humanities at UCLA, Distinguished Professor of Buddhist Studies, and Founding Director of the Center for Buddhist Studies and the Center for Korean Studies, UCLA. Dr. Buswell is a very famous international scholar who has published 16 books on various aspects of the Korean, Chinese, and Indian traditions of Buddhism, as well as on Korean religions more broadly. He was elected president of the Association for Asian Studies in 2008. He was the recipient of the prestigious Manhae Grand Prize (2009) in recognition of his pioneering contributions to establishing Korean Buddhist Studies in the West. He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2016.

鈥淭his conference will help us to strengthen UPEI鈥檚 international reputation, expand its global exchange and partnership, and recruit more international students from Asian countries,鈥� said Dr. Edward Chung, Asian Studies and Korean Studies Project Director at UPEI.

The conference is hosted and funded by the 69传媒 and the Korean Studies Project, and co-organized by UPEI鈥檚 Asian Studies and the North American Korean Philosophy Association affiliated with the American Philosophical Association.

Dr. Chung noted that the 69传媒Asian-Korean Studies Project received a top score from the Academy of Korean Studies for its first year of performance. The Academy of Korean Studies is South Korea鈥檚 leading graduate studies institute dedicated to international research and teaching in Korean Studies.

鈥淭hanks to the hard work of Dr. Edward Chung and his colleagues, the Korean Studies program at 69传媒has achieved an enviable international reputation, as evidenced by the broad array of renowned scholars participating in this conference,鈥� said Dr. Robert Gilmour, 69传媒Vice-President, Academic and Research. 鈥淥ur students and faculty are fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from this impressive group of delegates.鈥�

鈥淭he Faculty of Arts is delighted to host such a high profile international conference,鈥� said Dr. Neb Kujundzic, Dean of Arts at UPEI. 鈥淐ongratulations to Dr. Edward Chung for doing an excellent job organizing this conference.鈥�

For more information about the conference, please contact Dr. Chung at chung@upei.ca or (902) 566-0324.

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and M茅tis peoples.

Earlier this year, Chief Brian Francis of the Abegweit First Nation, 69传媒Indigenous student Dawne Knockwood, and Elder Junior Peter Paul joined President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz in at 69传媒Alumni Canada Games Place.

鈥�69传媒continues its efforts to infuse Indigenous 鈥榳ays of knowing鈥� into the academy, as well as supporting Indigenous students on their journey to and through post-secondary education,鈥� says President Abd-El-Aziz. 鈥淲e have much work to do, but raising the Mi鈥檏maq national flag permanently on our campus was a symbolic affirmation of the University鈥檚 commitment. I encourage all members of the 69传媒community to reflect upon and celebrate the tremendous contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and M茅tis peoples on National Indigenous Peoples Day, and every day throughout the year.鈥�

On PEI, the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI is hosting a celebration at Abegweit First Nation in Scotchfort from 2鈥�5 pm to help "" with drummers, dancers, and crafters and a free BBQ and children's activities. All activities are free and open to the public.

On campus, the Atlantic Council for International Co-operation will welcome renowned environmental, cultural, and human rights advocate Sheila Watt-Cloutier to their 鈥淲alking Together Towards a Sustainable Future鈥� conference where she will deliver the tonight at 7 pm in the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering building. Dr. Watt-Cloutier, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, is former chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference and speaks with passion and urgency on the issues of today. The talk is open to the public and all are welcome.
 

The following release is from Parks Canada

Parks Canada recently awarded two prizes to first year student teams at the 69传媒鈥檚 (UPEI) School of Sustainable Design Engineering Student Design Expo. The annual event, which was held on April 20, 2018, showcased the best in student sustainable and green engineering in Atlantic Canada. 

The Parks Canada Sustainability Award recognises an outstanding design using existing technologies towards a sustainable solution. This year鈥檚 award was presented to Lara Mullaly, Tess Lyons, Taylor MacDonald, Allison McCabe, and Simran Gupta for their project Sustainable Energy at Robinsons Island. 

This year鈥檚 Parks Canada Innovation Award was presented to Tanguy Rugamba, Aidan Gallant, Philip Tweel, Graham Ching, and Mac-Donald Chukwudi Duru for their project Eco-Fountain. The award recognises an outstanding design solution that demonstrates an innovative approach. 

The People鈥檚 Choice Award was presented to the Senior Design Clinic team responsible for the Province House: Virtual Reality project, composed of Tristan Dawson, Semin Jahic, Hannah Matheson, and Zixuan Wu. This virtual reality tour was developed in collaboration with students from UPEI鈥檚 School of Sustainable Design Engineering and the University of Trinidad and Tobago. 

Parks Canada is pleased to partner with 69传媒to support educational opportunities related to Canada's natural and cultural heritage and proud to support the annual Student Expo which recognizes and celebrates student achievement. 

Quick Facts 

• The 69传媒School of Sustainable Design Engineering (SSDE) advances knowledge, grows industries, improves health, and betters society by developing engineers with exceptional design skills combined with global perspectives. Recognized nationally for program innovation, the SSDE works to find solutions to complex, real-world challenges through a collaborative team approach. Teams function like an engineering consulting firm where students work alongside global experts from higher learning, research and development, industry, and community partners.
• Parks Canada manages one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural and cultural heritage areas in the world.
• Parks Canada鈥檚 national historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of our nation and provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history.
• Province House: Virtual Reality is an immersive and interactive exhibit that allows visitors to experience Province House as never before. Users can stroll the halls, explore the great chambers, and discover more about the current conservation project. Province House: Virtual Reality will be available this summer on the plaza of the Confederation Centre of the Arts alongside Parks Canada鈥檚 Imagine a Country exhibit.
• Robinsons Island is a small island in PEI National Park that was once home to a campground and day-use area. In 2014, this infrastructure was removed and the island was restored to a place of discovery and natural exploration. A new 6-kilometre, multi-use trail system was created, designed for hikers and cyclists alike. 

Contacts 

Janette Gallant
Communications Officer
Parks Canada, PEI Field Unit
902-672-6389
janette.gallant@pc.gc.ca

Atlantic Veterinary College student Brian Blanchard has been awarded a prestigious $75,000 scholarship by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation.

The is given to top third-year veterinary students attending an AVMA accredited veterinary college with a significant interest in equine sports medicine, a good academic record, and leadership qualities, and who is a member of the school鈥檚 AAEP student chapter.

The Coyote Ranch Scholarship program is funded by Penelope Knight, owner and operator of the Coyote Rock Ranch in Terrebonne, Oregon, a ranch that breeds and trains high-end quarter horses for cutting and reining competitions.

Only three to four scholarships valued at $75,000 each are awarded each year. About 80 veterinary students from Canada and the United States applied for the three scholarships awarded in 2018.

Horses have always been a part of Blanchard鈥檚 life. Growing up on his family鈥檚 dairy farm in Thorndike, Maine, he worked with Percheron draft horses. When his parents purchased a standardbred mare in 1996, he caught the harness racing bug and began driving in 2007.

He spent the next five years working in the US harness racing industry as a driver and trainer, but in 2012 he decided to go to university. In 2015 he graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude and then applied to AVC. He was accepted on the first try.

When he arrived on Prince Edward Island to attend AVC in the fall of 2015, he visited the Red Shores Racetrack in Charlottetown and soon began a part of the racing scene there, jogging, training, and driving horses.

Blanchard is thankful to be chosen for the scholarship. He applied for it based on his involvement in standardbred harness racing before and throughout his veterinary training, his strong academic record, and his plan to practice equine sports medicine after graduation. But he was still surprised鈥攁nd very happy鈥攚hen he found out in April that he was successful.

鈥淭hough I have worked hard for it, none of this would have been possible without the help of all the faculty, staff, and students I have studied and worked alongside these past three years at AVC, particularly Dr. Laurie McDuffee, Dr. Leigh Lamont, and Karen Roche for their mentorship and help in applying for the scholarship.鈥�

He also thanked his family and Maine veterinarian Dr. Ron Miles for supporting his dream of becoming a veterinarian.

鈥淟ast but not least, I鈥檇 like to thank Kenny Arsenault, Jamie Smith, and the rest of the crew at the Red Shores Racetrack, aka the Charlottetown Driving Park, for being good friends and mentors in the harness racing game and vet school process over the past three years.鈥�

The AAEP Foundation Coyote Rock Ranch Scholarships will be presented to the recipients on December 3rd, 2018, at the AAEP鈥檚 64th annual convention in San Francisco, California.