The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister Education

Cleary Prints to be Placed in Province’s K-12 Schools

In 2008, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians shared in a celebration as Danny Cleary, a member of the Detroit Red Wings, became the first person from this province to have his name etched on the most coveted prize in hockey – the Stanley Cup.

On August 17th of last year, Mr. Cleary’s accomplishments, both as an athlete and a role model, were recognized. An interpretive panel and commemorative print at the Danny Cleary Lookout in his hometown of Harbour Grace was unveiled.

To further recognize this milestone in our sporting history, the Provincial Government, through the joint efforts of the Departments of Education and Tourism, Culture and Recreation, is providing each school in the province with a framed, limited-edition reproduction of that print, titled Believe in Yourself.

Designed by artist James Long, the print is not just a tribute to one of our local sports heroes, but also a reminder of what can be accomplished through hard work. It is our hope that it will inspire our students to set high expectations for themselves, and follow through in the pursuit of their own dreams and aspirations.

This province has entered into an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity. As a government, we recognize there is unlimited potential for further growth and prosperity. We also know that it is today’s youth who will be the driving force behind our future success as a society, and as a people. That is why it is incumbent on us to invest in our young people. They need opportunities to gain the knowledge, skills, and the confidence to succeed in their chosen endeavours – whatever they may be.

We have asked schools to display the Danny Cleary print in a prominent place, so that it will serve as an ever-present reminder to students to believe in themselves and in their own ability to achieve their goals.

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2011 03 28             2:15 p.m.