Mr. Speaker, I rise in this House today to congratulate the students and organizers of the Labrador Straits Regional Heritage Fair, which I had the pleasure of attending this past Saturday, April 16, at Sacred Heart School in Conche on the Great Northern Peninsula.

The students from the Western School District, Northern Zone, made an impressive effort in putting together their projects celebrating the history and culture of our area and our Province. Awards and medals were passed out in a variety of categories, with Aaron Hopkins of HG Fillier Academy taking home the top award for outstanding overall project for his presentation on the Role of the Woman in the Family.

In all, eight students from HG Fillier received awards and medals, Gregory Kearney of Sacred Heart All Grade School received the Canada’s History Award for his project on the Newfoundland Seal Hunt, ten students from Truman Eddison were recognized for their projects, and Damian Reid-Byrne of Mary Simms All Grade received the Archival Materials Award for his project about Newfoundland music.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of the House of Assembly to join with me in extending congratulations to the students, teachers and organizers of this outstanding event. It not only provided an opportunity for the students to learn, it is also a way to showcase our very proud heritage, our history and our culture.