PORTLAND – Deidre LaCouture of Lewiston, daughter of Elizabeth LaCouture and Richard LaCouture, was recently awarded a $2,500 MELA Scholarship.

Her name was randomly selected from more than 1,200 applicants. She is a 2007 graduate of St. Dominic Regional High School and will use her $2,500 scholarship toward tuition and fees at the University of Vermont, where she will be a sophomore majoring in Asian studies.

“Thank you so much for everything” LaCouture said after hearing about the scholarship. When she is not in school, she enjoys hiking, camping, outdoor photography and learning about international cultures.

The Maine Educational Loan Authority, sponsor of the Maine Loan, offers Maine residents planning to attend an institution of higher education in Maine, out-of-state or Canada or out-of-state students planning to attend a Maine college or university, the chance to win $2,500 toward their college education.

Applicants sign up at www.mela.net and are entered into the random drawing. MELA recently increased its annual scholarship awards to $20,000, and offers eight $2,500 scholarships, selecting four entries in January and July.

For more information on the scholarship program or the Maine Loan, call toll-free 1-800-922-6352 or visit www.mela.net.