Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 19/01) - A university student from Yellowknife was the recipient of three academic awards this year for outstanding marks in biology and other science classes.

Yellowknife resident Jane Brookes won three cash scholarship prizes this year.

Jane Brookes, a second-year student at the University of New Brunswick's St. John campus, was awarded the Francis H. Premdas Prize for receiving the highest mark in first-year biology.

Brookes also won the Dr. John F.H. Teed, Q.C. Memorial Prize in science, and the Walter C. and Marion White Biology Prize.

The former Sir John Franklin high school student was presented with the prizes Nov. 26 in St. John. Brookes was awarded a total of $720 in scholarship money for her efforts.

"I don't really do it for the awards," said Brookes, who arrived home in Yellowknife for the holiday season earlier this week. "I do it for the satisfaction of learning."

Brookes, who plans to become a marine biologist when she graduates, said being honoured with the academic prizes will go a long way in helping her in future academic pursuits.

She also said she plans to come back North to work once she graduates.

"I'm fairly interested in staying in the North because there's not much research that's being done up here, and there is not a lot of knowledge of the North down south, so I'd like to concentrate on expanding the study area of the North."

Her father, Yellowknife Education District No. 1 trustee Terry Brookes, said he was ecstatic when he heard the news.

"I'm a very happy camper, a very happy dad," said Brookes. "One of her Grade 2 or 3 teachers said once, whatever she does, she will do well."