SASKATCHEWAN CENTENNIAL 2005 YOUTH AMBASSADOR TAKES MESSAGE TO STUDENTS

The Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Youth Ambassador Theresa Sokyrka will be singing the praises of her home province to students throughout Saskatchewan and letting them know that they can pursue their dreams right here at home.

"Theresa put a song in all our hearts during last year's Canadian Idol contest and she will continue to inspire young people and the young at heart during our centennial year," Premier Lorne Calvert said.

"The youth of today will lead our province into its second century and it is important for them to hear from role models, like Theresa, about the many opportunities that this province holds for them," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said.

Following her success on national television last year, Sokyrka was encouraged to leave Saskatchewan to pursue a musical career. However, she recorded her first studio album in Saskatoon.

"In our province you can count on your friends, neighbours and family to lend a hand when you need it and that's exactly the support I want as I start my musical career," Sokryka said. "One of the best things about my role as youth ambassador is that I'll get to visit schools around the province to see their centennial projects, to talk about the many reasons we're celebrating in 2005 and to let young people know that whatever they dream of becoming, they can accomplish it here at home."

During 2005, students and schools throughout the province will have many opportunities to share their centennial message with the youth ambassador, through the Theresa Sokyrka Great Centennial Road Trip. She will make up to 20 school appearances throughout the year. Schools interested in booking the youth ambassador for an event are encouraged to do so online at www.sask2005.ca/youth. Schools will be selected based upon their geographic location and the youth ambassador's availability. Schools may work together on an event, or submit their requests individually.

Classrooms are encouraged to submit their centennial stories, photographs and celebrations to www.sask2005.ca/youth. Each classroom that makes an online submission will have an opportunity to win a centennial party with Theresa Sokyrka. She will also share her experiences and her songs with the winning classroom's school during a school assembly. One classroom party will be held in June and another in November.

There will be online messages from the Saskatchewan Centennial Youth Ambassador, and students are invited to send a special message to Theresa on the web. Classrooms may also request a centennial youth package that includes autographed cards, posters and other promotional material, 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.

"Since becoming the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Youth Ambassador in January, I have already met so many talented young people who are filled with optimism about their future and the future of our province," Sokyrka said. "We have a long and proud history in Saskatchewan and I am honoured that I have this opportunity to commemorate our centennial year by working directly with the people who will take us into our second century."

Additional information on Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is available online at www.sask2005.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Chris Shauf Saskatchewn Centennial 2005 Regina Phone: (306) 787-1254 Cell: (306) 530-5775