Another bright young student has been awarded for their environmental stewardship and community involvement, through the Parkland Airshed Management Zone (PAMZ) Dr. Martha Kostuch Scholarship.

Kate Finley is a Grade 12 Sundre High School student who dreams of making a difference. Headed to the University of Calgary in the fall to study Global Development and Environmental Science, Finley felt like the ideal choice for the scholarship.

“I was beyond grateful that people who are working towards saving the world for a living saw and acknowledged my growing passion for the environment. This scholarship is helping me with the opportunity to expand my learning, so that one day I can continue their fight for our world,” said Finley.

After earning her degree, Finley plans on taking everything she has learned to law school, where she intends to become an environmental lawyer.

In addition to her outstanding academics, Finley spends a great deal of her time giving back to her community, volunteering as a dance instructor and fundraising for her school.

The Dr. Martha Kostuch Scholarship is a $2,500 scholarship awarded annually to a deserving student in recognition of their outstanding service and leadership, as well as their potential for future achievement in environmental stewardship. These are all qualities Finley was described as possessing by those who supported her application.

“The Dr. Martha Kostuch Scholarship was started to support students like Kate, who have a clear understanding and passion for the world we live in, and want to make a difference for the environment,” said Kevin Warren, executive director for PAMZ. “We had some truly exceptional candidates this year and are honoured to present Kate with this scholarship.”

The Parkland Airshed Management Zone Assoc. (PAMZ) is a multi-stakeholder non-profit organization consisting of industry, government, environmental organizations and the general public. It was formed in 1997 to monitor and manage air quality within the Parkland Region. The area it encompasses includes communities within the central Alberta region, running from Three Hills in the east to the BC border in the west and from just north of Crossfield in the south to just north of Ponoka in the north. See map at www.pamz.org.