LEWISTON – At Rainbow’s 51st annual meeting $500 scholarships were presented to four students. Rainbow Board Chairman Steve Mennealy provided the details into why each student stood out academically in the application process.

Chad Westleigh, a 2006 graduate of Poland Regional High School, is a freshman at Johnson and Wales University, Providence, R.I. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in culinary nutrition. He then plans to obtain a master’s degree in molecular gastronomy at Boston University.

Originally wishing to be a chef, Westleigh has learned he is also interested in helping people to live healthier lives through food. He is a winner of the Maine Johnson and Wales Culinary Challenge and maintains a 3.7 grade point average. He is a member of the American Culinary Federal and the International Food Services Executive Association.

Amber Churchill, a 2004 graduate of Edward Little High School, is a junior at Stonehill College, North Easton, Mass. She is pursuing a B.S. in biology with a minor in environmental studies.

Churchill is devoted to performing independent research in anticipation of attending graduate school for evolutionary ecology. Her reasons for choosing that path largely come from a desire to contribute to the world in a way that may help the future of the planet.

In addition to maintaining a 3.48 grade point average, Churchill has been an undergraduate research assistant, teaching assistant and presenter at various symposiums and conferences.

Madison MacLean, a 2005 graduate of Leavitt Area High School in Turner, is a second-year student at Northeastern University, Boston. She is enrolled in a dual major, studying and pursuing a bachelor of arts degree in international affairs and legal studies.

MacLean intends to attend law school upon completion of her undergraduate degree and specialize in immigration law. In addition to maintaining a 3.25 grade point average, she is a member of the International Affairs Society, the Lego Student Leadership Program and the Ballroom Dancing Club.

Aurora Lenz-Watson, a 2005 Graduate of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, South Paris, is a sophomore at Green Mountain College, Poultney, Vt. She is pursuing a BA in psychology. She chose to study psychology because of her desire to help individuals gain a new understanding of themselves and others.

In addition to maintaining a 3.67 grade point average, Lenz-Watson has been active volunteering as a trained peer counselor for Peer Counseling Hotline. She participated in Box City, a demonstration to raise awareness about the homeless and needy in Vermont. She is a member of the Art Club, Psychology Club and the Activism Club.

This marks the sixth year of the Rainbow Federal Credit Union Scholarship Program. Rainbow has awarded $13,500 to 26 Rainbow scholars. Applications for the 2008 Rainbow scholarships will be available during National Credit Union Week the third week in October. The credit union has branch offices in Lewiston, Auburn, Mechanic Falls and Paris.