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Contact: Karen Newell, Project Director Phone: (763-550-7263 )

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 20, 2005

MINNESOTA SCHOLARS OF DISTINCTION IN SCIENCE AWARDED

MINNETONKA, MINN. (May 20, 2005) – Fourteen Minnesota high school students have been awarded the Minnesota Scholars of Distinction in Science award. The 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 citizen-scientists representing industry, government and academia. Students self-nominate for this award program.

The 2005 Scholars of Distinction in Science are Niccola Perez, Apple Valley High School, Jillian Beaufeaux and Kirsti Hakala, Cloquet High School, Elizabeth Welsh, Proctor High School, Andrew Davis, Colin Drummond, William Inglis, Rosemary Lelich, Michael Lew, Daniel McKeon, Meredith Pearcy, Shaina Short, Sharde´ Thomas, and Matthew Trusheim of Breck. The Scholars will receive a $500 award and a certificate.

In addition, three students received honorable mentions and will earn a certificate and a check for $100. These students include Christopher Jackson, Megan Marzec and Amy Pikovsky of Breck.

The Upper School of Breck offers a Science Research class for is top students, and many participants entered the Scholars program based on science mentorships through this class.

The original Science Scholars is a partnership among the Minnesota Academy of Science, and Intermediate Districts 287, 916 and 917 Academic Services with funding from the Medtronic Foundation and the 3M Foundation. The Scholars of Distinction in Science is the second subject area distinction honors to be awarded; the Scholars of Distinction in Applied Geography have been awarded for several years. The Minnesota Department of Education is working to complete Scholars of Distinction Awards in the areas of mathematics, theater arts, and leadership. Work on these awards will be complete in the spring of 2006.

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!

The Academy’s other programs for young people include the State Science & Engineering Fair, Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, Winchell Undergraduate Symposium, Research and Engineering Apprenticeship Program and the Science Olympiad. Additional information regarding MAS and its programs can be found at www.mnmas.mnmas.org.

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