Each of the students made the provincial team by winning regional science fairs and four were recognized at the national competition as having exceptional science projects.

Stephanie Gallant from St. Peter�s Junior High in Mount Pearl won a silver medal in life sciences, Sarai Hamodat from Holy Heart in St. John�s won a bronze medal in health sciences, Cayley Linehan from Exploits Valley High in Grand Falls-Windsor won a bronze medal in biotechnology and pharmaceutical sciences, and Paula Slaney from Holy Name of Mary Academy in Lawn won honourable mention in life sciences. These four young women should be proud of their accomplishments and feel confident that they represented their schools, communities and province well on the national stage.

Today, science and technology is an integral part of everything we do. In today�s science classroom, students learn about the fundamental principles of science with a focus on applying this knowledge to the world around them. New courses encourage students to learn through hands-on experiences that build valuable scientific skills. These are skills that last a lifetime.

The Provincial Government strives to strengthen scientific literacy by providing our students with the best modern learning resources, relevant curriculum and an environment in which to succeed. Budget 2007 provides $1.65 million to improve laboratory safety. This is in addition to last year�s commitment of $2.2 million. This funding will be used to improve safety standards, provide professional development, and develop a school safety science manual. The manual is expected to be ready for the upcoming school year.

I offer congratulations to these young people and to the thousands of other students in the province whose determination and drive will help build a prosperous and self-reliant province.

We have many success stories in our school system and students need to feel confident that they can do just as well as any student, anywhere in the country. I ask my honourable colleagues to join me in acknowledging, celebrating and encouraging this success.

2007 06 12 1:52 p.m.