PROVINCIAL GRADUATES RECEIVE SASKATCHEWAN MADE CENTENNIAL GIFT

The class of 2005 will look picture perfect in a centennial gift that will be presented to all Saskatchewan high school graduates this spring.

"Our centennial provides us with a unique opportunity to look with pride upon our successes," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "For many grade 12 students, graduation is one of their most significant accomplishments achieved to date, an accomplishment that is even more special because it occurs as the province celebrates its 100th birthday."

"More than 13,000 young men and women will graduate from our high schools this year and embark upon a future that will help to shape and define Saskatchewan," Hagel said. "We are pleased to cheer their success, offer them our support going forward and provide them with a special keepsake in honour of their achievements in our centennial year."

Each student graduating from Grade 12 will receive a wooden photo frame that includes a message of congratulations from Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert and the Centennial Chair. The photo frame will be distributed to graduates from their school.

The frames were designed by a family-owned and operated company in Saskatchewan. The Wood Boys, which has manufacturing facilities in Regina and Saskatoon, was awarded the contract following a public tender. The Wood Boys is upgrading its special laser cutting and engraving equipment to complete the photo frames, which include an engraving of the centennial logo and "Class of 2005".

"We are very honoured to be partnering with Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 to design a made-in-Saskatchewan gift that will provide Grade 12 students with a lasting memory of their graduation and of the centennial year," The Wood Boys co-owner Robin Tremblay said. "This is also a great opportunity for our family-owned operation to grow as a business. The special equipment required to complete this project will allow us to expand our product line into the future."

The Wood Boys also manufactures photo frames and bottle holders as part of the official Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 merchandise program. The new spring line of merchandise is now available, featuring clothing, gift items and centennial souvenirs. Fifteen per cent of the product costs goes toward the Centennial Legacy Trust Fund in support of youth.

Additional information about the centennial and the new merchandise line is available on the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 website at www.sask2005.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Chris Shauf Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Regina Phone: (306) 787-1254 Cell: (306) 530-5775

Robin Tremblay The Wood Boys Regina Phone: (306) 584-3531