During a visit to the United States local MP David Mundell took the opportunity to visit Syracuse University and meet with the students from Lockerbie Academy who are part of the Lockerbie Scholars’ Program. Mr Mundell also met with the university vice-chancellor, Eric Spina and the academic staff involved with the Lockerbie Scholars Program, including Judy O’Rourke who has co-ordinated it since its inception and is well-known in the Lockerbie area.
Mr Mundell said: “The annual opportunity for students from Lockerbie Academy to study at Syracuse is one of the few positive things to come out of the events of 1988. It is a great opportunity for local young people to benefit from the excellent facilities and wide range of courses at Syracuse University and also gives them and their US counterparts a wider perspective on the world. All the students I’ve ever spoken to throughout the years have seen the opportunity to participate in the programme a life changing opportunity and that really is something worth acknowledging.
“It was also great to meet up with Judy O’Rourke again and all those involved in the academic side who work so hard to make our students welcome.”