Intermediate District 287 1820 N. Xenium Lane Plymouth MN 55441 Contact: Karen Newell Phone: 763-550-7263	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 1, 2006

MINNESOTA SCHOLARS OF DISTINCTION IN SCIENCE AWARDED

Plymouth, MN. (May 1, 2006) 11 Minnesota high school students have been awarded the 2006 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.

The 2006 Scholars of Distinction in Science are Richie and Ryan Huynh of Champlin Park High School, Meredith Blank, Michael Blazar. Michelle Hackner, Brandon Lew, Dana Lindberg, Lillian Nordahl, Katherine Shaeffer and Mathew Weiss of Breck, and Kyrstin Underbakke of Maranatha Christian Academy. The Scholars will receive a $500 award and a certificate.

In addition, three science students received Meritorious Performance awards and will earn a certificate and a check for $100. These students include Daniel Geoffrion and Andrew Mc Cullough of Breck and Paul Mueller of Cloquet High School.

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 Minnesota Scholars of Distinction awards are given to high school students who have excelled in the areas in Theater Arts, Science, and Math, Applied Geography and Leadership. Scholars of Distinction specialties are developed through partnerships of educators, businesses and others who know how to apply complex knowledge and skills to the real world. To earn this recognition, students must complete required work in Minnesota's High Standards, demonstrate mastery of complex subject matter and apply their knowledge and skills on challenging projects. Students may choose to pursue one or more of these specialties throughout all or part of their PK-12 education

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.

About Intermediate District 287

Intermediate District 287 is an innovative education partner to 13 Twin Cities public school districts, including Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Orono, Osseo, Richfield, Robbinsdale, St. Louis Park, Wayzata and Westonka. For 40 years, member districts have trusted District 287 to customize services for their most challenging students and complex business needs so that all students get the best education possible. Hosting the MDE Scholars of Distinction grant is one example of this work. Additional program information is available at www.district287.org/gifted/

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