SAGUENAY, QC — (May 19, 2006) Darren Schulte, a grade 11 student from Bellerose Composite High School in Edmonton, was awarded a $500 Manning Innovation Achievement Award at the Canada-Wide Science Fair which concludes Saturday at the University of Québec at Chicoutimi (UQAC) campus.

Darren invented a new type of military law enforcement tactical armoured vest that he believes will revolutionize the way such equipment is designed and developed. This bulletproof vest, made of Kevlar and polycarbonate (versus ceramics), can withstand multiple hits, as opposed to a single hit only.

The Canada Wide Science Fair is a week-long national event that brings together over 455 students and 369 projects. Those who qualify have distinguished themselves from amongst the approximately 25,000 young Canadians, grades 7 to 12, who compete in regional science fairs held in over 100 communities across Canada.

In addition to the Manning Award, Darren's work was recognized with a bronze medal in Engineering.

This is the 15th year that the Manning Awards Foundation has supported the Canada Wide Science Fair, recognizing the innovations of more than 75 bright minds at the high school level.

CONTACT: Bruce Fenwick, Executive Director, Manning Awards 403-645-8277 or Laura William, Youth Science Foundation Canada, 416-895-3276.