NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN STUDENT AWARDS PROGRAM CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

Today in La Ronge, Lieutenant Governor Gordon Barnhart joined First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Bill Hutchinson, who represented Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Ken Krawetz, and past and present recipients of the Lieutenant Governor's Awards of Excellence to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Northern Saskatchewan Student Awards Program.

"This unique program has inspired students to focus on their studies, to keep up attendance, to explore cultural traditions, and to become involved in their communities," Barnhart said. "This anniversary celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the tremendous success of the program, and to celebrate the on-going achievements of the recipients."

"The Government of Saskatchewan believes that the learning success of our young people is vital to securing the future of the province and that it is a key component of ensuring a stronger Saskatchewan and a better life," Hutchinson said. "Over the last two decades, the Northern Saskatchewan Student Awards Program has recognized the outstanding accomplishments of northern students. Many of the past recipients continue to be leaders, contributing positively to their communities, province and country."

The Northern Saskatchewan Student Awards Program is comprised of two awards, the Lieutenant Governor's Award of Excellence and the Northern Saskatchewan Student Achievement Award. Both awards promote student achievement and academic success, and encourage students to graduate from Grade 12 with a full academic program. Since the Lieutenant Governor's Awards of Excellence were established in 1989, 120 awards have been presented. In addition, 1,900 Northern Saskatchewan Student Achievement Awards have been presented.

All students attending Grades 7-12 in provincially-funded or First Nations schools in the Northern Administration District are eligible for the Lieutenant Governor's Award of Excellence. Six students, one in each grade level between Grades 7-12, receive the award annually. The amount of the award varies based on the grade, starting with $800 for Grade 7 and increasing to $3,000 for Grade 12.

Students are nominated by their schools and are selected by a committee struck by the Ministry of Education. Students who are nominated, but not selected as one of the six Lieutenant Governor's Award of Excellence recipients, automatically receive a Northern Saskatchewan Student Achievement Award. Both awards are funded by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education.

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For more information, contact:

Jacquie McLean
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5609
Email: jacquie.mclean@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-2261

Heather Salloum
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4415
Email: hsalloum@ltgov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-9951