BENNINGTON, Vt. — Chelsea Bernard, a 2009 graduate of Dirigo High School in Dixfield, was awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Freeman-ASIA Foundation.

Bernard will spend the spring semester studying Japanese language and culture at KCP International Language School in Tokyo.

Currently a junior at Bennington College, Bernard is pursuing a double major in theatre and Japanese. Those interested will be able to virtually tag along on her adventures abroad via her blog “Cherushii-Chan Does Japan” at www.cherushiichandoesjapan.wordpress.com.