Alexandra Hickey, a Grade 12 student at Marymount Academy is a nominee in this year’s Ontera Youth Achievement Awards Ceremony that will take place on April 20, 2006 at the Radisson Hotel in Sudbury. Alexandra has been nominated in the ‘Student of the Year’ category.

Osprey Media Group has once again partnered with Ontera to host the second annual Northern Ontario Youth Program which includes the Osprey Youth Development Workshops and the Ontera Youth Achievement Awards. The Osprey Youth Development Workshop is a forum for ideas and actions needed to create opportunities for youth. This year’s topic is Education as a youth retention strategy: How can Northern Ontario secondary schools, colleges, universities, students and industry work together to adapt the school curriculum to meet today’s demands.

The Ontera Youth Achievement Awards recognize, celebrate and honour youth who demonstrate innovation, leadership, altruism and community building in the North. “We’re proud to present the Ontera Youth Achievement Awards,” said Ontera president and general manager Marc Rancourt at the media launch for the 2006 Northern Ontario Youth Program held at Tom Davies Square. “We heard many inspiring stories last year and that only strengthened our resolve to spotlight the young talent that abounds in the North. These awards are a symbol of our company’s dedication to building the new North.”

Alexandra was nominated for the Student of the Year Category in this year’s Ontera Youth Achievement Awards by Mr. Dan Bartolucci, one of her teachers at Marymount Academy. “Alexandra’s work ethic within the school community – both inside and outside of the classroom is outstanding,” states Bartolucci.”For a young lady who is already very active outside of the school, she is constantly seeking opportunities to get involved with school activities, and always welcomes the opportunity to be in a leadership role. Alexandra challenges herself and those around her to achieve their absolute best and it is this enthusiasm and initiative that deserves recognition. I have watched Alexandra mature both personally and academically over the past five years and there is no doubt in my mind that she will accomplish all of her future goals.”