News Release

www.lcyouthrendezvous.com

BILLIE JO LORIUS
Lewis and Clark Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: (701) 333-2191 or Cell (701) 400-9640

May 31, 2006

318 Student Winners of National Lewis and Clark Youth Rendezvous Essay Contest Identified

Washington, D.C. - National Guard Bureau announced the winners of the national Lewis and Clark Youth Rendezvous essay contest today. High school students from across the nation were invited to write a Lewis and Clark-themed essay in order to be selected as one of ten students from each state and territory. Selected students will attend the North Dakota Lewis and Clark Youth Rendezvous event Aug. 13-18, 2006.

The AMVETS (American Veterans) spearheaded a national organization-wide scoring plan for all student essays. The organization completed their scoring process and forwarded the results to the Youth Rendezvous planning team in North Dakota. The team notified 318 students selected as essay winners from across the nation. Students had to be high school juniors or seniors in August 2006 to qualify to participate in the event.

Mikey Hoeven, First Lady of North Dakota, is the honorary chairperson for this event. "The winners of the Lewis and Clark essay contest will take part in this once-in-a-lifetime educational event. As the First Lady of North Dakota, I am excited about this opportunity for the youth of this country. The event is sure to be an adventure for all youth involved, and I look forward to showcasing all that North Dakota has to offer," said Hoeven.

"We were happy with the student interest in the contest and the creativity that went into writing the Lewis and Clark essays," said Maj. Gen. Michael J. Haugen, the Adjutant General of North Dakota. "The essay winners will be able to participate in a great adventure with activities unique to North Dakota, history will come alive for them."

Through multiple activities and events, participants will follow the Lewis and Clark trail, experience American Indian culture of yesterday and discover military history firsthand. The hands-on activities and events will take place throughout western North Dakota. The adventure will showcase daily activities of the original Lewis and Clark expedition that will create a unique educational opportunity. To learn more about planned activities, go to www.lcyouthrendezvous.com.

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