SASKATOON STUDENTS CELEBRATE WITH CENTENNIAL YOUTH AMBASSADOR

Released on November 30, 2005

Learning new computer skills and all about pop art has earned a Saskatoon classroom a visit from one of their favourite celebrities, Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Youth Ambassador Theresa Sokyrka.

"Saskatchewan's centennial has fostered a renewed sense of optimism and confidence in our province and our youth ambassador certainly showed young people that there is a bright future in this province," Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "It is encouraging that so many young people took part in the Theresa Sokyrka Great Centennial Road Trip, as they are the generation that will make a difference in the future of our province and set the direction for our second century."

Throughout the year, dozens of classrooms submitted their centennial stories, photographs and celebrations to www.sask2005.ca/youth. Each online submission qualified for an opportunity to have Theresa Sokyrka visit their classroom and perform for the entire school. A Grade 7 class at Father Robinson School in Saskatoon was selected to host the youth ambassador, after they created a computer presentation of Northern Saskatchewan resources and a collaborative poster of "100 years of heart," using a pop art style that they had studied in class.

"The students are just totally hyper and so excited to have a chance to meet Theresa and hear her perform," teacher Lila Kallstrom said. "They're looking forward to hearing about the important role she has played in the centennial year."

About 600 students will attend the performance and hear from Theresa about why she decided to pursue her recording career in Saskatchewan.

"The centennial has been an awesome experience for me and I am honoured to have had the chance to meet with the young people of Saskatchewan and share in their dreams," Sokyrka said. "It's important for me to let them know that whatever they dream of becoming, they can accomplish right here at home."

More than 200 classrooms and schools registered to receive one of the 20 opportunities available to have Sokyrka visit their school and perform during the centennial year. The Saskatoon performance is one of the final four appearances that the youth ambassador will make on November 30th and December 1st. The other stops include the McKitrick Community School and the École Père Mercure in North Battleford on Wednesday afternoon, and a performance at the Jack MacKenzie School in Regina on Thursday morning, which students from St. Gabriel School will also attend.

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