8700 W. 36th Street, Suite 114W Box 25

St. Louis Park, MN 55426

Phone 952/545-6789

Fax 952/545-6336

Contact: Karen Newell, Project Director

Phone: (763-550-7263 w) or (612-722-3466 h)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 1, 2004

FIRST SCHOLARS OF DISTINCTION IN SCIENCE AWARDED

MINNETONKA, MINN. (June 1 2004) – Four Minnesota high school students have been awarded the Minnesota Scholars of Distinction in Science Award and will receive a $500 check and a certificate. Winners are Thai Doan, Coon Rapids High School, Ning Zhou, Wayzata High School, Scott McDonald, Bloomington Jefferson and William Mitchell, Breck High School.

In addition, five students received Meritorious Performance recognition. Each will earn a certificate and a check for $100. These students include Sarah Blasing, Edina High School, Cindy Fei, Wayzata High School, Yuliya Perepelitsa, Bloomington Jefferson High School, Amy Toberman, Robbinsdale Armstrong High School and Diana Yang, Brooklyn Center High School.

The Minnesota Scholars of Distinction in Science recognizes students who have acquired a substantive base of scientific knowledge that reflects a broad and effective integration of scientific content and principles across several disciplines. In addition, this designation identifies students who can place science and technology within the contexts of society and history. Scholars were chosen by a panel of professional scientists representing industry, government and academia.

This metro area pilot initiative is a partnership among the Minnesota Academy of Science, the University of Minnesota's Science CentrUM and Intermediate Districts 287, 916 and 917 Academic Services. The program was funded by the Medtronic Foundation and the 3M Foundation. The Scholars of Distinction in Science are the second subject area distinction honors to be awarded; the Scholars of Distinction in Applied Geography have been awarded for several years. Other academic areas will follow pending support from the Legislature. The Scholars of Distinction in Science will become statewide this fall.

About Minnesota Academy of Science

Since 1873, the Minnesota Academy of Science (MAS) has been promoting scientific excellence by recognizing the remarkable contributions of young, future scientists and engaging the citizenry of Minnesota in the fascinating and important world of science. Academy-sponsored programs serve more the 20,000 young people throughout Minnesota each year!

Other programs the Academy offers young people include: the State Science Fair, Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, Winchell Undergraduate Symposium, Research and Engineering Apprenticeship Program, Science Quiz Bowl and the Science Olympiad. Additional information regarding MAS and its programs can be found at www.mnmas.org.

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