FOUNDER AND PAST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SCIENCE FAIR FOUNDATION OF BC TO RECEIVE ORDER OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

VICTORIA – Fifteen British Columbians who have contributed to the province in extraordinary ways will be awarded the Order of British Columbia, Lieutenant-Governor Steven Point, Chancellor of the Order, announced today.

“The Order of British Columbia recognizes the excellence and achievements of our citizens. It is the highest honour we can bestow on individuals in our province,” Point said.

“The Order of British Columbia recognizes the remarkable accomplishments achieved by extraordinary British Columbians,” said Premier Gordon Campbell. “This year’s recipients have made exceptional contributions to their communities and to the province. On behalf of all British Columbians, I’d like to thank each recipient for everything they have done for the province.”

This year’s recipients are:

• The Honourable Jacob “Jack” Austin, P.C., Q.C., of Vancouver - lawyer, Senator emeritus Brad Bennett of Kelowna – businessman, community volunteer and board member
• Dr. Robert Conrad Brunham of Vancouver - professor and infectious disease specialist
• Dan Doyle of Vancouver - provincial public servant, transportation engineer
• Jeneece Edroff of Victoria – youth active in community service
• John Furlong, O.C. of Vancouver – chief executive officer, Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
• Robert (Bob) George Hindmarch of Vancouver – amateur sports leader
• Chief Tony Hunt of Victoria - First Nations artist and leader
• Milan Ilich of Richmond - philanthropist, businessman
• Patricia Anna Mildred Leigh of Vancouver - educator, Science Fair advocate
• Marco A. Marra of Vancouver – genome scientist
• Dr. Julio S.G. Montaner of Vancouver – HIV clinician and researcher
• Christopher Duncan Rose of Kamloops – educator focusing on children with autism
• Barbara Ward-Burkitt of Prince George – Aboriginal community worker and volunteer
• Pauline (Hilistis) Waterfall of Bella Bella – educator focusing on adult learning opportunities for First Nations

- more -

Patricia Anna Mildred Leigh – Vancouver

Patricia Leigh has contributed 27 years of dedicated service to the education of children and is the driving force behind The Science Fair Program in British Columbia.

She has created opportunities for over 700,000 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 enabling them to expand their knowledge, explore hands-on science, build self-esteem and develop personal skills to meet the challenges of a knowledge-based society.

Ms. Leigh’s hard work and years of dedication led to the establishment of the Science Fair Foundation of British Columbia of which she was the founding president and executive director. The foundation assists students from across the province to participate in science fairs within their local communities eventually competing for the opportunity to represent B.C. at the national and international level.

Ms. Leigh was also a valued part of the Science World senior management team spending 23-years with the organization helping to direct the development of public outreach science programs.

About the Science Fair Foundation of BC

The Science Fair Foundation supports science education through The Science Fair Program to foster curiosity and build for the future. The Science Fair Foundation of British Columbia (SFF BC) is a non-profit charitable organization incorporated in February 1998 to support and promote science fair activity in British Columbia. The Foundation is committed to ensuring ongoing financial support in order to build a stronger and more visible Science Fair Program throughout the province. To learn more about the Foundation please visit www.sciencefairs.ca

- 30 -