US student learns from Lockerbie

Erin McLaughlin started her studies in America in 2003

A student has become the first to complete an undergraduate course in the US after being given a scholarship set up following the Lockerbie disaster.

Erin McLaughlin left Lockerbie Academy in 2003 having been selected as one of that year's Syracuse scholars.

She settled in at the university in New York state and decided to stay on to complete a degree in History and Drama.

It further strengthens links between Lockerbie and the university which lost 35 students in the 1988 disaster.

The bombing of a Pan Am flight bound for the United States over the Dumfries and Galloway town resulted in 270 deaths.

Erin, from Moffat, was one of the two students from Lockerbie each year to be awarded the Syracuse scholarship.

Having stayed in the US she was also named as a remembrance scholar at the university.

This is awarded to 35 students in their senior year at the university in honour of the victims of the bombing.

"Being chosen as a remembrance scholar for 2006-07 has been the highlight of my time at SU," she told the BBC News Scotland website.

"By being recognised for my academic achievement and my involvement at SU brilliantly rounds off my experience as a Syracuse scholar."

I'm very proud that I have been able to continue on at SU Erin McLaughlin

"Being in America has been an amazing experience," she added.

"I've met so many people from all over America and the world.

"That has allowed me to travel to places like New Orleans, New York, Little Rock, Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Indianapolis, Chicago, Washington DC, Boston and colonial Williamsburg to name a few."

Outside of classes Erin is the president of the Association for Student Elderly Connection.

The group volunteers twice a week at local nursing homes and arranges talks on issues affecting the elderly.

She said she had enjoyed her university experience so much she hopes to go on to work with students after completing a Masters in Higher Education Administration.

Before heading to the US, Erin was a member of the Moffat Youth Theatre and took part in school plays at Lockerbie Academy.

That dramatic leaning has continued as she is now part of the university's drama department which will be performing at the Edinburgh Fringe later this year.

Erin is set to appear as part of a show on the Edinburgh Fringe

She is looking forward to coming back to Scotland.

"I'm excited that I get to perform to people that I know but at the same time represent Syracuse University," she said.

Erin will also play a part in commemorating the disaster which links the university with Lockerbie later this year.

She is involved in Syracuse's Remembrance Week in November which includes a rose laying ceremony attended by the victim's families.

"I am looking forward to planning the Remembrance Week events with my fellow scholars and know that as I am from Scotland it will have added poignancy," she said.

Having taken so whole-heartedly to US life it is no surprise Erin hopes future Syracuse Scholars from Lockerbie will follow in her footsteps.

"I'm very proud that I have been able to continue on at SU and hope that in future more Lockerbie Academy students get to experience more than a year at SU as there is so much to discover," she said.