My name is Dustin Fournier, I am a hard-working, academic-focused three-season student-athlete at North Middlesex Regional High School. Throughout my time in high school, I have enjoyed STEM-based classes such as Drafting Technology & Design, Civil Engineering & Architecture as well as the hands-on projects in AP Physics. I enjoy researching and learning how and why things work. This year in physics we had to design and build a trebuchet that could throw a minimum of 10 feet as a group project. This project was very rewarding, knowing the time and effort we put into researching how to build a trebuchet, test it, make necessary adjustments, and have it work was very exciting, as it surpassed the minimum requirement by 4 feet! I have worked diligently both in and out of the classroom and being named captain of the football team and wrestling team this year is proof that I am a dedicated and capable student-athlete and hold leadership qualities while staying focused on academics. Being the FOGO on varsity lacrosse and having the team rely on my ability can be stressful at times, but I truly enjoy the challenge. I have also held a part-time job throughout high school and in my spare time find time to work out at the gym, as strength training is my passion. Having acquired skills such as time management, working as part of a team and self-discipline have helped me obtain a level of commitment, independence and preparedness to enter the college environment. Staying focused and determined is a mindset I instill to build success, and although college poses its own obstacles I am looking forward to learning new things and meeting new people to face these challenges head on. I am passionate about being the best version of myself I can be and take pride in all that I do. Volunteering in my community has also taught me the value of appreciation. I have spent time participating in a yearly food drive for our local food pantry and organized a fundraiser for the VFW, as well as helped out at other community events. While I am extremely appreciative of receiving a merit scholarship at UMaine, there are still certain financial challenges that come along with attending college. My parents recognize my desire to pursue higher education and are prepared to help out as best they can; however, receiving a scholarship will greatly assist with the financial burden. I sincerely appreciate being considered for this scholarship, as it will help out tremendously.

My name is Dustin Fournier, I am a hard-working, academic focused three-season student-athlete at North Middlesex Regional High School. I am applying for an outside scholarship to help assist with the cost of a college education. Throughout my time in high school, I have enjoyed STEM-based classes such as Drafting Technology & Design, Civil Engineering & Architecture as well as the hands-on projects in AP Physics. I enjoy researching and learning how and why things work. This year in physics we had to design and build a trebuchet that could throw a minimum of 10 feet. This project was very rewarding, knowing the time and effort I put into researching how to build a trebuchet and have it work was very exciting as it surpassed the minimum requirement by 4 feet! I have worked diligently both in and out of the classroom and being named captain of the football team and wrestling team this year is proof that I am a dedicated and capable student-athlete and hold leadership qualities while staying focused on academics. I have held a part-time job throughout high school and in my spare time find time to work out at the gym, as strength training is my passion. Acquiring skills such as time management, working as a team and critical thinking have helped me acquire a level of independence and preparedness to enter the college environment. While I am extremely appreciative of receiving a merit scholarship at UMaine, there are still certain financial challenges that come along with attending college. My parents recognize my passion to pursue higher education and are prepared to help out as best they can; however, receiving a scholarship will greatly assist with the financial burden. I sincerely appreciate being considered for this scholarship, as it will help out tremendously.