News Release

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Sheri Woodland

Office of Public Affairs

Acadia University

Phone: (902) 585-1362

Fax: (902) 585-1072

Acadia University and Irving Oil Launch 'Discovery Quest' for High School Students

For Release:  June 26, 2003

(Wolfville, NS) -  Forty-three exceptional high school students arrived at Acadia University this week to combine efforts and resources, and attempt to address major environmental issues. They are taking part in a new program called Discovery Quest.

Discovery Quest, the result of a partnership between Acadia University and Irving Oil, is a summer institute for grade 11 students from the Maritime Provinces and New England. This unique experience-based week is designed to support students in their desire to learn and contribute to a deeper understanding of themselves and the world in which they live.

"The main goal is to offer students a chance to challenge themselves, to discover their strengths, and explore new opportunities," says Jennifer Skuffham, Discovery Quest Coordinator at Acadia University. "Participants and their high schools are excited about Discovery Quest, and we're thrilled that Irving Oil has supported the creation and implementation of such an outstanding program."

Participants of Discovery Quest will encounter several themes related to leadership, the environment, and technology. Organized into ten groups, students will receive case studies dealing with environmental issues. Each group will use several resources including lectures, field trips related to their issue, and group planning sessions to study their issue and to formulate a possible solution to the challenge. At the end of the week, the groups will present their findings and potential solutions. The students will also participate in personal development sessions led by some of the top professionals in leadership, career development and academics.

"Irving Oil is committed to our region and, like many organizations, depends on schools like Acadia to develop well-rounded individuals who are committed to contributing to the community in a variety of ways," says Joe Boudreau, Irving Oil's Director of Competitive Learning. "We have a strong relationship with Acadia University and are pleased to support their efforts in the development of Discovery Quest. This program enables students to meet with their counterparts from around the region, get an early start on understanding the university experience and have the time to look at their skills, interest areas and potential career opportunities."

Participants of Discovery Quest are exceptional students from high schools in both urban and rural areas of the Maritimes and New England. Having been nominated by their high school administration, they possess not only strong academic backgrounds but are also involved in many school groups and extra-curricular activities. Many participants, such as Lauren Fifield of Vermont, are interested in environmental science.

"The school I attend is quite small and unable to offer an environmental science class," says Fifield, a junior at Thetford Academy. "With Discovery Quest, I have the chance to learn more about the subject and to be surrounded by forty other students who care about the same issues I do."

Discovery Quest runs from June 22 to 27 at Acadia University. Founded in 1924, Irving Oil is the regional energy processing, transporting, and marketing company focusing on customer service and supply chain management. Irving Oil serves customers in Eastern Canada, Quebec, and New England with a range of finished energy products, including gasoline, diesel, home heating fuel, jet fuel and complementary products and services. In 2003, Irving Oil became the only oil company to win a USEPA Clean Air Excellence award, which it won for its low sulphur gasoline.

Acadia University, considered one of Canada's premiere post-secondary institutions, is home to world-class faculty in the fields of arts, science, and professional studies. In addition to a dedicated and caring faculty, small classes and a challenging curriculum, Acadia provides students with notebook computers - known as Acadia Advantage - to facilitate access to the world's information as part of their undergraduate education.

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