October 16, 2001 For Immediate Release

The top grade 12 students in School District #57 will be recognized at an event at the University of Northern British Columbia on Thursday, October 18th.

The students taking part are the District's top academic achievers. 70 students in total will be attending the event and they were selected for having an A-average or better in their grade eleven subjects. The students will spend the afternoon at UNBC, attending lectures and participating in other activities.

That evening, there will be a dinner in the Atrium of the Administration Building for the students and officials from UNBC, the School District, and the local businesses who are providing financial sponsorship of the event. Simultaneously, the students' parents will be participating in an information session that will cover issues such as university finances, scholarships and bursaries, and services to students.

"A unique part of this event will occur when the students receive a provisional offer of admission to UNBC along with a single course tuition waiver," says Alex Reed, Associate Vice-President for Student Services and University Registrar. "The students participating in the event can consider themselves admitted to UNBC if they maintain their high level of academic achievement in grade 12. They will also have the tuition fee for one course waived."

This is the fourth annual event recognizing student excellence. The initiative for the event came from local school trustees, and is designed to recognize students who have consistently achieved top marks throughout high school. The cost is being supported by corporate donations.

Students from Prince George, McBride, Valemount, and Mackenzie will be participating.