SASKATCHEWAN STUDENTS ACCEPT MINISTER'S CHALLENGE TO GRADUATE TOBACCO-FREE

Grade 12 students in 18 Saskatchewan schools have taken up the challenge, from Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley, to graduate tobacco-free.

"I am absolutely delighted that students have taken part in our first-ever challenge to make the healthy choice to exclude tobacco from their lifestyle," Addley said. "We know that smoking is the single biggest cause of disease and premature death in Saskatchewan."

In November last year, Minister Addley sent a letter to Saskatchewan high schools offering them an opportunity to participate in a graduate tobacco-free challenge. Participation was voluntary and open to any Grade 12 class, team or club. Confirmation of the accomplishment was done on an honour basis when the principal returned forms declaring their class smoke-free to Saskatchewan Health.

Colonsay is one of the participating schools and will be honouring 11 tobacco-free graduates at graduation exercises this evening.

"It was the students' choice to participate in this challenge and I'm very proud of what they've accomplished," Colonsay School Principal Les Eley said. "They encouraged and supported each other and they've reached their goal of graduating tobacco-free."

"Students who made a commitment to help one another either quit smoking or refrain from starting in the first place are to be commended," Addley said. "They have made a choice that will benefit them their entire life."

The graduate of each participating school will receive a signed certificate from the Minister of Healthy Living Services and a canvas gym bag to recognize their accomplishment.

A complete list of participating schools is attached.

EDITORS NOTE: Reporters are invited to attend the Colonsay Graduation on Friday, May 19th, at 7:30 p.m. in the Colonsay High School Gymnasium.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kimberly Kratzig Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083