I am so honoured to be this year’s recipient of the Scholarship Foundation of the Pacific. When I was first told I was chosen for this incredible opportunity, I could barely get any words out as I was blown away with excitement and gratitude. It is such an amazing foundation that is empowering students to succeed in their education and bring that back to our communities on Haida Gwaii.

My plan is to achieve my Bachelors of Science degree in Marine Biology, and then return home to Haida Gwaii, our beautiful islands. It is really such a dream to be able to study Marine Science on the Hawaiian Islands, at the Hawai’i Pacific University. I am going to use my education not only to protect the environment but also to work towards ways we can give back to the lands and waters that have given so much. My hope is that I will inspire other young people of the islands to strive for this scholarship in the coming years, as it is truly an opportunity of a lifetime.

            I would like to thank the Scholarship Foundation of the Pacific for their generosity in funding my education. I will be forever grateful for this award, and this appreciation goes out to all who have contributed to the SFOTP.  I will do my utmost to represent my islands, my people and the Scholarship Foundation to the best of my ability.

Rayne Boyko