Yellowknife (June 09/03) - Three Northwest Territories students will reap the awards of their hard work as they head off to university.

They are the recipients of Millennium Excellence awards that seek to recognize leadership and service to their communities.

The prizes come from a $2.5 billion fund created by the Canadian government in 1998, to invest in individuals who will benefit Canada with long, productive careers.

"This year's laureates are all outstanding students who care about the world around them," said Gerard Veilleux, chairman of the foundation's board of directors.

"They have a diverse background and a myriad of interests, but they all have in common the potential to become the future business, social and community leaders of our country."

Jennifer Redvers of Hay River is a national laureate for the upcoming school year. She received a $5,000 scholarship that is renewable for three years, for a total of $20,000.

The co-president of her high school student council, Redvers helped to implement a new council structure to better serve the students. She also works with Students Against Drunk Driving, the graduation committee and peer counselling.

Local laureate winner Christopher Stipdonk of Fort Simpson received an entrance scholarship of $4,000. An avid athlete, Stipdonk represented NWT in badminton at the Arctic Games in Greenland, as well as in soccer at the Canada Summer Games.

The third student, Amanda Johns, received the territorial award worth $4,000 a year for up to four years.

The awards are intended to recognize community involvement, leadership and innovation, but also to provide incentive for the brightest students to complete their studies in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.