TORONTO, ON (May 17, 2010) – Sixteen year-old Jennifer Hao and Burnaby North Secondary School have won the votes of Canadians and the title of the first ever “Canada’s Greenest School.” Jennifer’s Canada’s Greenest School contest entry, titled “Burnaby North: Youth in Action,” centered around future generation leaders having the ability to inspire their school and other schools in taking green initiatives.

As part of Jennifer’s award she wins a new plug-in hybrid school bus from IC Bus that will help reduce her school’s carbon footprint. The hybrid school bus, worth approximately $200,000, is up to 65 percent more fuel efficient than standard school buses currently used at Burnaby North and emits up to a third less greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to the hybrid school bus, Jennifer also wins:
• A LEED accredited green audit for Burnaby North from Morrison Hershfield
• $3,000 towards her education
• $500 for Jennifer’s teacher, Ms. Donna Morgan, to be used for eco-friendly class supplies

“All of us at Burnaby North are so proud of this title, and we could not have done it without Jennifer’s passion and initiative. Her efforts remind us all that real change arises from action. We’re excited for the green audit of our school by the LEED accredited professionals so we’re able to evaluate how we can improve our school’s efficiency and become a more environmentally conscious community of students, parents and teachers. The plug in hybrid school bus from IC Bus will be a great way to kick-start the process!” said Lynn Archer, Principal of Burnaby North.

In March, three-time Canadian Champion and two-time Olympian figure skater Josée Chouinard helped kick off the first ever Canada-wide contest, sponsored by top school bus manufacturer, IC Bus. The open call for entries garnered over 100 submissions from across Canada. After IC Bus announced 10 finalists in April, online voting determined the winning entry, with nearly 25,000 total votes cast.

Jennifer’s entry discusses the students struggle to walk or bike to school due to the twice daily traffic jams making it difficult to enter and exit the school’s traffic zone. The mini-essay continues to explain how using a hybrid school bus is the most effective solution for reducing pollution thus leading the youth and staff to work together towards implementing a bus system by replacing old busses with hybrids for their “Green Rides Campaign.” Jennifer also outlines ways she sees Burnaby North reducing waste, energy consumption and choosing more environmentally friendly products.

“Today’s students and youth are aware of the need to protect our environment and are making environmental responsibility even more of a priority over previous generations,” said John McKinney, President of IC Bus. “The commitment of Canada’s youth to greening schools was evident in this year’s entries. It was clear that Jennifer and Burnaby North Secondary had really planned and assessed more effective ways of going green -- and Canada made a great choice in selecting Jennifer as the winner.”

Students are encouraged to learn more about ways to make their schools greener by reading Jennifer’s winning entry and checking out other tips online at www.CanadasGreenestSchool.ca.

About IC Bus
IC Bus, LLC, of Warrenville, IL, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navistar, Inc. (NYSE: NAV). North America’s largest integrated manufacturer of school buses, IC Bus is a global leader in passenger protection, chassis design, engines and ergonomics. The company is also a producer of commercial buses. All IC Bus™ brand buses are sold, serviced and supported through a renowned dealer network that offers an integrated customer program encompassing parts, training and service. Additional information is available at icbus.com.

Editor’s note: A copy of the winning entry and photos of the award presentaion are available upon request.
Media Contact:
Sydney Dare
Ketchum Public Relations
416-355-7427
Sydney.Dare@Ketchum.com