Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 12/05) - Three Yellowknife high school graduates are being applauded for receiving a prestigious scholarship from the University of Alberta.

Adam Hassan, a recent graduate of Sir John Franklin high school, recalls happy memories from playing Ferris Bueller in a high school play as he moves on to the University of Alberta.

Adam Hassan, a graduate of Sir John Franklin high school, and Antonio Babic and Kirsten Mahler from St. Pat's high school, were among 22 students across Canada who received the Chancellor's Citation scholarship, valued at $15,000 over four years.

The award is offered to students who have a minimum average of 95 per cent and who are in their undergraduate year of their first degree at the University of Alberta.

Hassan, who will be studying in the faculty of engineering, was excited.

"Each of the winners got a call from the chancellor of the university and I understand what an honour it is to get a phone call from someone that important," Hassan said.

Anne-Mieke Cameron, principal of Sir John Franklin high school, described student Adam Hassan as "extraordinary."

"Classrooms that have Adam in them are classrooms that are full of life and enthusiasm for learning," she said.

"It's not a competitive situation, but a co-operative situation that he stands for as a learner."

Hassan played in the jazz band, the concert band, he sang in the choir and he performed as the lead in Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

He was also treasurer of grad council.

"Our Adam Hassan is one in a million," she said.

For Antonio Babic, winning the scholarship was a great occasion.

"It's a representation of all the hard work I've put into the four years of high school," Babic said."I feel very honoured and proud."

Babic said he will look back on his years at St. Pat's with fondness.

"It will always have a special place in my heart. It's a really good school.

"And there are teachers I hope to continue talking to forever. They really made an impression on me," Babic said.

Ongoing support

Kirsten Mahler said she could not have won the award without the ongoing support from her parents, teachers and friends.

"There was a lot of stress at times, but it was a lot of fun and it was worth it," Mahler said.

Her mother Cathie said she was very proud of her daughter.

"We're very pleased for her. It's very exciting. She worked hard for it.

"We thank the St. Pat's teaching staff for their contribution with support and teaching skills. We think the world of them."