Two best friends have been selected as Lockerbie Academy’s next Syracuse scholars.
Sixth year students Tristan Woolley and Joshua Halliday will undertake a year’s study at New York State University in America after a selection process for the programme which was set up in the wake of the Lockerbie Disaster.
The pair, both 17, are also East Kilbride Pirates U19 American Football teammates and part of the Scottish national squad.
Delighted Josh said: “I applied for the Syracuse scholarship as I believe it is a great opportunity to represent Lockerbie and also explore a new part of the world.
“When I am in Syracuse, I plan to study a business management course while also prioritising my role as a scholar, creating active links between myself and pupils in Lockerbie Academy.”
Tristan, from Ecclefechan, said: “The fact I’ve been given this opportunity to go to Syracuse with my best friend is one of the greatest moments of my life.
“I have been given the chance to not only represent Lockerbie, but the smaller, less recognised communities around Lockerbie for their efforts following the tragic events of the Lockerbie air disaster.
“I’m really looking forward to experiencing everything Syracuse has to offer.”
A total of 35 students from Syracuse who were studying abroad were on Pan Am Flight 103 on December 21, 1988, and died along with 224 other passengers and 11 Lockerbie residents when the plane was blown up over the town.
The Lockerbie Disaster Trust Fund and Syracuse University set up two, one-year scholarships from the town.
Josh, who lives in Lockerbie, and Tristan will be ambassadors to further the links and friendship between the Scottish and American communities, representing the town at many events in the USA including a Remembrance Week in October.
The current Syracuse scholars studying in America are Zach Blackstock and Natasha Gilfillan.
Council leader Stephen Thompson said: “It’s a tough choice with so many capable candidates applying – and this year was no exception – but Josh and Tristan will be great ambassadors for Lockerbie as the Syracuse Trust scholars for 2023-24.”
