UNION CORNER -
Sixteen-year-old Hardy Strom of Union Corner is busy preparing for an opportunity of a lifetime.
In August, Strom will spend two weeks in the Arctic sailing around on an icebreaker.
"It'll be an amazing opportunity," said the Grade 11 Three Oaks student. "I'm really excited."
Hardy applied to the Students on Ice scholarship program about a year ago and was disappointed when he was not accepted. When the opportunity came around to apply again this year, he thought, "Hey, I'll give it another shot".
He completed essay questions about leadership and the environment, rounded up several references and hoped for the best.
"I've always been really interested in the environment," he said. "I believe my generation has to do something about it."
Hardy received the call last week saying he was accepted into the program on a half-scholarship basis.
The scholarship he received is worth $4,000, less than half of the total cost of the program.
Hardy's mom, Rosa Arsenault, did not want her son to miss out on the opportunity so she agreed to take on the task of helping him fundraise the rest of the money.
"I'm turning to corporate sponsors, politicians, any one who will help me," Hardy said.
Seventy-five international students, including 18 from Canada, will partake in the two-week adventure held Aug. 4 to 20.
"It's going to be so cool just to be in a different environment than I'm used to," Hardy said.
During the expedition, students will learn about the impacts of climate change and other environmental issues facing the Arctic. Students will explore southern and eastern Baffin Island, Nunavut and northern Nunavik. A team of 30 scientists, historians, artists and educators will walk students through the eye-opening experience.
Hardy has had a week to review the itinerary for his summer trip. He is looking forward to the various activities planned for him and his peers.
"We get to go whale watching," he said excitedly. "That'd be really cool to see."
Hardy said he is also looking forward to the educational aspect of the trip.
"I'm hoping to learn a lot more about global warming and I'm looking forward to learning about the eco-system, the Artic people and the animals."
Hardy said the experience is going to be the first step towards his future as he plans to take environmental studies in university.
To help Hardy fund his way to the Arctic, contact him at 854-2542.
