Wolfville student rants his way to a scholarship

BY BRENT FOX

The Advertiser

NovaNewsNow.com

Composing and conducting a rant is definitely an unusual way to win a scholarship, but it worked for one Wolfville student.

Grade 12 Horton student Brandon Copeland is one of the winners of the Memorial University of Newfoundland “Rant like Rick” scholarship contest winners. The university announced the winners earlier this month.

The contest was based on Newfoundland comedian/commentator Rick Mercer’s well-known televised rant sequences on current issues.

Copeland won for Best Rant. The other top winners were Stefanie Peters, Sydney, Best Overall; and Melissa Hoskins, St. John’s, Best Rant and Best Cinematography.

The winners each receive a $2,500 tuition voucher for two semesters at Memorial.

His rant was on all the things a student has to consider when choosing a university.

In fact, he had applied to Memorial already when he heard of the scholarship contest. His friends are headed there and the institution has a good name in the arts and business faculties. “In both arts and business, Memorial has great programs,” Copeland said.

He had been considering both, but for now leans toward arts: history, English and political science, with the aim of academic teaching. But he’ll make his final decisions later. “I have to figure out where my passion is.”

Copeland had an opportunity to tour the campus and St. John’s with the other winners over a weekend. He saw the contest advertised on television and, talking with his family, thought it was something he would like to try.

Of the unique contest, Copeland said, “I certainly give credit to Memorial because it’s something that hasn’t been done before. It’s definitely a different approach to giving out a scholarship.”

And he’s pleased with the financial aid. “It’s more than just the money; it’s the whole experience and the weekend (tour).”

Memorial’s tuition is among the lowest in the country because of provincial support and it’s the only university in that province.

Copeland is an avid competitive curler, who likes to snowboard for fun during the winter. He’s a part-time employee at Staples in New Minas.