YELLOWKNIFE - Lisa Radicchi was happy the day she opened her mail to find she had won a $10,000 scholarship.

"It was really a big shock," she said. Radicchi, who is from Yellowknife, was one of three recipients of the first Ministerial Postsecondary Awards of Excellence. Along with Holly Darkes of Fort Smith and Chris Stipdonk of Fort Simpson, Radicchi will receive a $10,000 scholarship towards her postsecondary studies.

Lisa Radicchi: Attending the Alberta School of Business in Edmonton.

With a grade point average of 3.9, Radicchi wasn't surprised that she got some recognition for her work, but she never expected so much.

She graduated from St. Patrick high school in 2004, and began her studies at the Alberta School of Business in accounting the same year. Originally planning to study natural sciences, she was attracted to business for its tangible material.

"I love that it's so practical," said Radicchi. "Everything you learn you can apply."

Radicchi switched to studying human resource management last Christmas hoping to apply her studies towards more of a "people job."

In addition to her academic achievements, Radicchi was also recognized for community service she has performed in her three years at the Alberta School of Business in Edmonton. As she started her studies in accounting, Radicchi volunteered to do the taxes of lower income families.

"You know you're helping them, it's a good feeling," she said. Radicchi also works as a teaching assistant, and helps out with her faculty's student association. It was both her academic achievement and her volunteer work that qualified Radicchi for the award.

"I would like to congratulate all the recipients for their dedication not only to their studies, but also for volunteering their time to helping others as well," said Charles Dent, minister of Education, Employment and Culture in a press release.

Radicchi said she doesn't consider volunteering as extra work, but as a nice break from a solid schedule of studies.

"It's good to be busy around here," she said. "I meet so many people."