Record-breaking athlete Caroline Ehrhardt, of Espanola High School, has received a prestigious honour in recognition of her excellence in academics and athletics – a full four-year scholarship to attend the University of Oklahoma.

“This scholarship, valued at more than $100,000, will enable one of our star athletes to continue to pursue her dreams,” Rainbow District School Board chair Tyler Campbell said. “We are certainly very proud of Caroline Ehrhardt for her outstanding achievement.”

Ehrhardt will sign a Letter of Intent officially declaring herself as a University of Oklahoma Sooner for the 2010-2011 school year during a special ceremony at the school on Feb. 9, at 1:45 pm.. The ceremony will take place during the half-time break in the Espanola High School senior boys’ basketball game versus Elliot Lake.

“The entire school will be involved in the celebration to honour Caroline,” Principal Martin Punkari said. “Not only is Caroline an exceptional athlete, she is also an exceptional student. Last semester, she had the second highest average among Grade 12 university level students at our school. She is an all-round student.”

Ehrhardt list of athletic accomplishments includes Canada's national junior triple jump champion (2009), national youth triple jump champion (2008), double OFSAA gold medallist (long jump, triple jump - 2008, 2009), OFSAA senior girls triple jump record holder, Canadian interscholastic record holder for the triple jump, and national scholastic indoor championships triple jump champion (New York City, 2009).

“Caroline’s success is also a tribute to the teachers at Espanola High School who have supported her over the past four years,” Director of Education Jean Hanson said. “As the school’s track and cross-country running coach, David Gallant has played a key role in nurturing Caroline’s athletic abilities, watching each and every win with pride. We all join together in congratulating Caroline Ehrhardt for having earned this impressive scholarship.”