FARMINGTON, Maine - Eliza Richard, a student at Mt. Blue High School, earned a $49 season pass to Saddleback Maine for the 2009-2010 ski season. Saddleback's new PEAK (Promoting Education and Activity for Kids) Program rewards any Maine student up through 12th grade that makes honor roll with a $49.00 season pass.
 
Making the honor roll is a challenge Eliza embraces each year. "I don't want to have any grades under a B. I also keep my grades up to do sports and to be in the Mt. Blue Voices. Who doesn't like getting good grades?" she says. Having the PEAK pass as a new incentive helped her, too. "I had a lot more motivation because our ski team sometimes trains at Saddleback and it would be easier to have a pass. I think it is a very good idea to motivate people to get out there and ski and also to get better grades," she added.

Eliza has been skiing ever since she could walk and has skied mostly at Titcomb and Saddleback this year.

Over 2000 PEAK Passes have already been purchased. The program, supported by Governor Baldacci, is designed to encourage Maine students to perform well in school, to help curb childhood obesity, and to promote getting outside and enjoy winter sports.

"We're so pleased at the response we've had to the PEAK Program," says Conrad Klefos, director of marketing at Saddleback. "We've heard so many stories from kids about how it motivated them to do well in school." Klefos added that on March 27, Saddleback will host a celebratory PEAK Day and there will be a raffle to give away three PEAK passes for the 2010-2011 season.

Any Maine child in K-12 that makes the honor roll is eligible to receive a Saddleback season pass for just $49. Ideal proof is a list from the school that lists all honor roll students. Other acceptable proof is the report card or a letter from the school principal or superintendent. Any criterion set by the school that defines an honor student is acceptable to Saddleback.

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Photo Caption: Eliza Richard, PEAK pass holder from Mt. Blue High School.