Fort Fairfield Woman Awarded George J. Mitchell Peace Scholarship

Good, hard working people are plentiful here in Aroostook County, and Fort Fairfield native Kaitlyn Kinsey is no exception. She was recently named as one of the recipients of the George J. Mitchell Peace Scholarship to study abroad in Ireland for the fall semester of 2014.

The Maine Community College System bestows the scholarship to two students every year with the purpose of creating exchange opportunities between Maine and Ireland. It is named after Maine’s Senator George Mitchell, who played a historic role in brokering peace accords between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Kaitlyn, who is a graduate of Eastern Maine Community College, will be studying at Cork Institute of Technology, where all of her tuition, fees, books, and room and board will be paid for. She will also receive stipends for living and travel expenses.

During a ceremony at Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle, the chairman of the Maine Community College System Board of Trustees, Robert Clark congratulated Kinsey and presented her with the George J. Mitchell Peace Scholarship award.

While in the Medical Radiography program at Eastern Maine Community College, Kaitlyn maintained a 3.9 GPA, participated in a variety of clubs and membership organizations, and held many volunteer positions. Among them, she was the Maine Community College System’s student representative on the Board of Trustees; a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society; a member of EMCC’s women’s soccer team; and a Student Ambassador. Kaitlyn is also a talented flute player, having been selected as a member of the Maine All State Band and Bangor Community Band.  Kaitlyn was honored as EMCC’s 2014 Student of the Year by the Maine Community College System’s Board of Trustees in April.

After her time in Ireland, Kaitlyn plans to attend the University of Southern Maine to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences.

The Mitchell Peace Scholarship Program began 12 years ago in 2002. Candidates from all of Maine’s seven community colleges are eligible to apply.