This week, some of the best and brightest students from across the province will receive extra help funding their post-secondary education.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is granting 201 scholarships (valued at least $1,000 each) to students proceeding from high school to higher education. Over $200,000 is being awarded to these students on the basis of their performance on public examinations, which are administered annually by the Department of Education.

�Education plays a vital link in the future success of our province. This is why we are investing in a three-year freeze on tuition, keeping it one of the lowest rates in the country and fully 40 per cent lower than the national average,� said Education Minister Tom Hedderson. �These awards are yet another example of our support for students and youth throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.�

�We are committed to accessible and affordable education opportunities,� added the minister. �I offer my sincere congratulations to all 201 scholarship winners and their teachers. Their success at the high school level is a clear indication that their post-secondary experience will be both successful and rewarding.�

The Junior Jubilee Scholarship, valued at $2,500, is awarded to the student who attains the highest overall score on the public examinations. This year�s recipient is Rachel Gardiner, a graduate of St. Kevin�s High School in the Goulds.

The Constable W.C. Moss Scholarship is awarded to the son or daughter of a member of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (active, retired, or deceased) who, other than the Junior Jubilee winner, scored highest on the public examination. This year�s recipient of the $1,000 scholarship is Mark Ballard of O�Donel High School in Mount Pearl.

The provincial government also awards $1,000 Electoral District Scholarships to the three high school graduates in each district who scored highest on the scholarship examination. As well, since 1956, Centenary of Responsible Government Scholarships have been awarded based on examination performance. These too are valued at $1,000.

Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 690-6047

Photo #1: Education Minister meets with Rachel Gardiner, winner of this year's Junior Jubilee Scholarship. Rachel is currently a first year student at Memorial University.