Just a couple of weeks after her brother Kevin won a major graduate research award, Terri France, a 4th-year Natural Resource Science student at Thompson Rivers University has also garnered a prestigious prize.

Ms. France, originally from Vernon, BC, has received a $3,000 World Petroleum Council (WPC) millennium scholarship for the 2005-06 academic year. The scholarships are awarded annually to full-time students who excel academically and are enrolled in post-secondary programs related to the petroleum industry.

“I’m surprised and honoured that the Canadian Association of the World Petroleum Congresses has acknowledged me,” said France. “Their contribution is greatly appreciated and helps substantially.”

France was nominated for the award by her professors in the Natural Resource Science degree program.

“NRS provides a broad spectrum of skills, both theoretical and hands-on, that enables graduates to pursue an array of careers in the natural resource sector,” said France. “The open-door policy of the NRS professors has created an environment prone to learning. They have a real eagerness in seeing students learn and are committed to assisting in our development,” she added.

“The program supports the education and development of the next generation of energy professionals,” said David Boone, president of the WPC Canadian Association. “At the recent World Petroleum Congress in Johannesburg, South Africa, it was clear that the demand from the global energy sector for the best and brightest minds will continue to grow and that demand will be particularly strong in Canada.”

For more information, please contact: Terri France at 250-377-4033 or by email for comments or photo.