Grade 11 student from Lewisporte, Blake Russell, spent his summer learning about Arctic ecosystems through the Students on Ice program. The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods provided an $11,900 scholarship for him to join the 2016 Arctic Youth Expedition.
A group of 116 students and 80 educators participated in this year's expedition, learning more about the challenges facing the circumpolar world. Throughout the trip, students were encouraged to expand their knowledge to gain new perspectives and become polar ambassadors.
The Students on Ice program promotes polar education, conservation, science, environmental issues and general knowledge about the polar regions across Canada and around the world. Its goal is to encourage students to gain a new understanding and respect for the environment.