SASKATCHEWAN CENTENNIAL 2005 YOUTH AMBASSADOR VISITS VIBANK AND ODESSA STUDENTS

The Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Youth Ambassador will put a song into the hearts of students at the Vibank and Odessa Schools as the Theresa Sokyrka Great Centennial Road Trip makes a stop in Vibank.

"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.

About 70 students from the Odessa school will join the 195 Kindergarten to Grade 12 at the Vibank school on Tuesday, June 14th at 9:30 a.m. at the Vibank School. "Theresa is an inspiration to young people and our students are excited that she will visit our school during the special time in Saskatchewan's history," Teacher Gary Pack said. "It's great that we can involve Odessa students in the celebrations as well."

"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 Vibank performance is one of six appearances that the youth ambassador will make during the week of June 13th, 2005. The other stops include Strasbourg, Mortlach, Estevan, Kamsack and Melfort. 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