by Alex Rawlings--"It was kind of like winning the lottery," is how Queen Charlotte grade 12 student Morgan Boyd describes the $25,000 scholarship she just won.The Canadian Millennium Scholarship Foundation is giving out 1,125 entrance awards this year, with 148 winners from BC. Of those, only 19-Ms Boyd among them-are receiving the national award worth $25,000.That award is given to the most exceptional applicants throughout Canada who are entering their first year of university or college. The scholarship recognizes students for their outstanding achievements in leadership, social innovation, academic performance and community service. The competition was stiff, as 9,000 people applied, but only 100 across the country are receiving the $25,000."I think I got it mostly because I am part of a marine advisory committee that is hoping to establish a protected area in Gwaii Haanas," Ms Boyd said.She has also worked in QCSS to re-establish a student council, and planned many events to bolster school spirit."I have also created an alternative physical education program at the school that involves things like yoga, weight training and walking," she said, adding she believes everyone has a right to be healthy without having to compete in sports.Ms Boyd plans to use her scholarship to obtain a four-year degree in nursing at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops and hopes to continue on to a masters degree with the end goal of practising midwifery.Stephane LeBlanc, Senior Awards Officer with the foundation in Montreal, told the Observer that the $25,000 winners have met all the necessary criteria, and have also volunteered over a longer period of time than most applicants."These are people who have a clear commitment over several years, two or three years is fairly long for someone that young," he said. He also said some of their work involves an innovative quality."It means they have identified issues in their area and found new ways to tackle (them)," Mr. LeBlanc said.The foundation receives its money from the federal government and began awarding scholarships nine years ago.