SASKATCHEWAN CENTENNIAL 2005 YOUTH AMBASSADOR TOURS PROVINCE'S SOUTHWEST

About 3,000 students in southwest Saskatchewan were tuning into a special message from the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Youth Ambassador.

Recording artist Theresa Sokyrka, whose debut album recently turned gold, made stops at eight schools and encouraged students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to pursue a future in their home province.

"A new century of opportunity is awaiting the young people of this province and it's important for them to hear from role models like Theresa, who is an example of somebody who is pursuing her dreams right here at home," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said.

During the centennial year, Sokyrka will visit a total of 20 schools as part of the Theresa Sokyrka Great Centennial Road Trip. She visited with students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Swift Current, Success, Wymark, Gull Lake and Kyle on September 22nd and 23rd.

"A visit from their favourite Canadian Idol is creating one more centennial memory for our students who are learning so much about their province during this important time in our history," Grade Six teacher at OM Irwin School in Swift Current Rhonda Siemens said. "We would like to thank Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 for providing our students with this opportunity."

"I am very honoured to have the opportunity during our centennial year to meet with the young people of Saskatchewan who are creating a vision for our future," Sokyrka said. "It's important for me to let them know that whatever they dream of becoming, they can accomplish it in Saskatchewan, where their family, friends and neighbours are here to support them."

About 210 classrooms and schools have registered to receive one of the 20 opportunities available to have Sokyrka visit their school and perform. Schools are selected based upon their geographic location and Sokyrka's availability. Schools may work together on an event, or submit requests individually at www.sask2005.ca/youth.

Classrooms are encouraged to submit their centennial stories, photographs and celebrations to www.sask2005.ca/youth. Each online submission qualifies for an opportunity to win a centennial party with Theresa Sokyrka that includes a performance for the entire school. Students may also send a special message to Theresa through e-mail.

Classrooms may request a centennial youth package that includes autographed cards, posters and a special postcard that can be sent to students in other provinces, letting them know why the world could use a little more Saskatchewan.

Additional information on Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is available online 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