~ Six High School Seniors Will Join the Governor's Mission to China ~

ST. PAUL - Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the names of six "student ambassadors" who will join the governor's mission to China in November.

"These students are academic all-stars, ambitious civic leaders, and all-around high-achievers who use their talents to better themselves, their schools, and their communities in remarkable ways," said Governor Pawlenty. "I'm proud that they'll be representing the youth of Minnesota during this historic mission."

The students are Emily Dahlman of Cokato, Jennifer Dens of Brainerd, Amy Jordan of Hibbing, Ann Miron of Hugo, Steve Ralles of Maple Grove, and Priya Sury of Falcon Heights.

Governor Pawlenty also announced that the Best Buy Children's Foundation is teaming up with the state Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Department of Education to launch an interactive educational Web site that will provide China-focused curriculum for use by public and private schools statewide.

The Best Buy Children's Foundation is providing  $85,000 in cash and equipment to develop the site and equip the student ambassadors with laptops, camera's, video equipment and training. They'll use the technology to provide reports from China that will be posted on the Web site.

"We know that technology in the hands of engaged learners can produce amazing results," said Paula Prahl, vice president of public affairs at Best Buy.  "Enabling all Minnesota students to experience China, through the eyes of their peers, can spark a desire to learn more about our global community.

The student ambassadors, all of whom will begin their senior year of high school in September, were chosen from a field of 79 applicants.  Students were chosen based on four main criteria: scholastic achievement, effective communication, leadership activities, and their personal goals for the trip.  

A selection team from DEED and the state Department of Education evaluated the applications, and semi-finalists were personally interviewed by DEED Commissioner Matt Kramer and Mary Ann Nelson, an assistant commissioner with the Department of Education's Office of Academic Excellence.

"We were extremely impressed by the caliber of these students," said Commissioner Kramer. "They aim high, they work hard, and we think they'll make a great addition to our trade delegation."

"I am very excited for the students," added Education Commissioner Alice Seagren.  "This trip will provide them with a wonderful learning and cultural opportunity. They will also experience firsthand the process of new business development and international relations."

The costs of student participation are being covered by corporate contributions from Best Buy Co., Inc.; Carlson Companies; Dorsey & Whitney, LLP; Faegre & Benson LLP; General Mills; Griffin International Companies; Thomson Legal & Regulatory; and TURCK, Inc.

As part of the new Minnesota-China Partnership initiative, Governor Pawlenty is bringing a 200-member delegation of business, government, academic and civic leaders to China Nov. 11 to 19.

Geared primarily toward trade, the mission will include several industry-focused delegations and will feature events in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. The goals of the mission are to:

 Increase trade opportunities by providing a forum for Minnesota companies to acquire market information, assess market potential, evaluate market entry strategies, and identify potential business partners.

 Promote opportunities for Chinese investment in Minnesota.

 Demonstrate Minnesota's commitment to its broad relationship with China.

 Develop greater understanding of U.S.-China relations.

The weeklong trip is the largest trade mission in Minnesota history and is believed to be the largest mission to China undertaken by any state.

Student Background Information

Emily Dahlman, Cokato, MN

An honor student at Dassel-Cokato High School, Emily is heavily involved in her community, holding positions on the Wright County Extension Committee, the Wright County Fair Board, among other posts. She's also an officer in 4-H, a blood mobile volunteer, and a volunteer at the local early childhood center and the Cokato Manor nursing Home. She plans to attend one of Minnesota's four-year private colleges, pursing a double major in education and social work, with the aim of becoming a school counselor.

Her thoughts on the trade mission:  "This mission would shape my future career goals by giving me a firsthand look at the business world."

Dassel-Cokato High School Principal Paul Thomas says this about Emily:  "When she is asked to undertake a task, she willingly accepts the duty and you can be sure it will be accomplished."

Jennifer Dens, Brainerd, MN

An honor student at Brainerd Senior High, Jennifer has organized blood drives and fundraisers at her school, worked on many civic projects, and has been a volunteer at Camp Confidence, a center for people with developmental disabilities. She plans to attend the University of Minnesota, with an eye toward a career in international business. 

Her thoughts on the trade mission:  "I believe that this mission would help me to discern my future career path and decide what I want to do with my life," she says. "It would give me the chance to see international relations in action, rather than just reading about them."
 
Brainerd High School Principal Steve Razidlo says this about Jennifer:  "She is the rare student who envisions a particularly demanding road and then walks it directly, purposefully, and gracefully."

Amy Jordan, Hibbing, MN

An honor student at Hibbing High School, Amy has spent five summers in Chinese language immersion school. In college she plans to double major in aerospace engineering and business and minor in Chinese. Her career goal is to work for a global aeronautics company, focusing on Asia.

Her thoughts on the trade mission:  "With China becoming a more active world trader each day, it is critical for the United States to learn as much as we can about China and her people, so that we can begin developing relationships," says Amy.   "It helps our society to keep telling and showing everyone that the world is indeed a very small place."

Hibbing High School Principal Michael Raich says this about Amy:  "She is truly a leader by example."

Ann Miron, Hugo, MN

An honor student at Forest Lake Senior High School in Forest Lake, MN, Ann is a member of a fifth-generation farm family and is deeply involved in the Future Farmers of America. She plans to attend the University of Minnesota and major in agriculture education. She has a special interest in representing the dairy industry.

Her thoughts about the trade mission:  "I will have the opportunity to share with those involved in the dairy industry steps being taken which could change the industry and the role of Minnesota's dairy farmers within the global food system."

Forest Lake Senior High School Principal Steve Massey says this about Ann:  "Ann has an unmatched work ethic. She is the consummate well-rounded student. Ann is confident, personable, and well spoken."

Steven Ralles, Maple Grove, MN

An honor student at Maple Grove Senior High, Steve already has extensive training in the business management process known as 6 Sigma. He plans to double major in business and pre-med in college, then go on to medical school in hope of becoming an emergency room physician.

His thoughts about the trade mission:  Because I am interested in the medical field, I would like to discuss the trade of medical products from Minnesota companies such as Boston Scientific, Medtronic to Chinese cities, clinics and hospitals."

Maple Grove Senior High Principal Wendy Loberg says this about Steve:  "Steve has demonstrated maturity, poise and charm He has a disarming personality that makes anyone feel comfortable and at ease."

Priya Sury, Falcon Heights, MN

An honor student at Roseville Area High School in Roseville, MN, Priya has helped raise more than $10,000 as chairman of her school's charity week activities. She is founder and president of the Indian Youth Association of Minnesota.

She is also a world traveler who has visited seven countries. In college she plans to major in biochemical engineering and political science.

Her thoughts about the trade mission:  "Since China and India are among the rising economic world powers, I have a great interest in learning about the recent business developments in China, and the potential for China-U.S., and more specifically, China-Minnesota collaborations."
 
Roseville Area High School Principal Connie Nicholson says this about Priya:  She is a "driving force" in the student life in her school.  "She challenges students to go above and beyond in what they can accomplish."