SASKATCHEWAN CENTENNIAL 2005 YOUTH AMBASSADOR VISITS MELFORT STUDENTS

The Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Youth Ambassador will put a song into the hearts of students in Melfort as the Theresa Sokyrka Great Centennial Road Trip makes a stop in town.

"It is important for young people, who will lead the province into the second century, to hear from role models about the many opportunities Saskatchewan holds for them," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said.

Sokyrka will hold two performances at the Melfort High School. At 1:30 p.m., she will meet with elementary school students. At 2:30 p.m., she will perform for high school students.

"We are absolutely thrilled that we can host Theresa for this exciting centennial celebration," Melfort Civic Pride Committee Chairperson Bill Wood said. "The Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Youth Ambassador has a large fan base in this area and this will be a centennial experience that will provide a lasting memory for many of them."

"I am very honoured to have the opportunity during our centennial year to meet with the young people of Saskatchewan," Sokyrka said. "It's important for me to let them know that whatever they dream of becoming, they can accomplish right here at home."

About 175 classrooms and schools have registered to receive one of the 20 opportunities available to have Sokyrka visit their school and perform. The Melfort performance is one of six appearances that the youth ambassador will make during the week of June 13th, 2005. The other stops include Strasbourg, Vibank, Mortlach, Estevan and Kamsack. The remainder of her appearances will occur in the fall of 2005.

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