Hay River (Dec 22/03) - A Grade 3 student in Hay River has created a new mascot for South Slave schools.

Daniel Decker's drawing will be the basis of a new homework and study skills mascot.

Daniel Decker. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

"I am very excited about it because the whole world will know about my mascot because he's the homework and study skills mascot," said the eight-year-old.

His entry was one of 558 submitted by students from kindergarten to Grade 12.

The mascot -- Hugo the Homework Hero -- will help raise awareness of the importance of effective homework and study habits for students. It will be placed on homework and study skills materials.

Daniel was awarded a $100 gift certificate.

Seven runners-up -- one from each of the seven other South Slave schools -- also received gift certificates.

"This contest has generated a lot of excitement in the schools," says Iona Neumeier, coordinator of the Homework and Study Skills Committee with the South Slave Divisional Education Council.

"Educators from across the region showed not only an interest in the contest, but the homework and study skills initiative in general."