ELLSWORTH — Kim Morin of Lewiston is the first recipient of an award from the newly established Lydia R. Laurendeau Scholarship Fund at the Maine Community Foundation.

A graduate of Lewiston High School, Morin will attend Hartwick College in Oneonta, N.Y., where she will major in biology.

The scholarship honors Lydia R. Laurendeau (1918–1986), who lived most of her life in Lewiston. Although bright, Laurendeau was obliged to drop out of school in eighth grade to care for her ill mother. When she herself became a mother, Laurendeau promoted education at every turn, including encouraging her son to pursue a degree in science and engineering.

The Laurendeau Scholarship Fund provides support for young women who are pursuing post-secondary education in either science or engineering at a four-year university. Eligible applicants are graduating seniors of Lewiston High School or St. Dominic Regional High School in Auburn. Preference is given to applicants demonstrating a connection to their Franco-American heritage.

A statewide organization, the Maine Community Foundation has been working with donors and educators since 1983 to provide Maine students with access to educational opportunities. For more information, visitwww.mainecf.org.