North Island College recently announced the winners of the Governor General’s Academic Collegiate Bronze Medal, the Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal, and the President’s Awards of Excellence at the College’s graduation ceremonies.
The Governor General’s Academic Collegiate Bronze Medal awarded to the top academic graduate from a program two-years in length or longer, went to Sylvia McAvany, a graduate from NIC’s Computer Science Diploma Program.
Sylvia decided to shift career goals after working as an Engineering Technician in the Oil & Gas industry for the better part of ten years. Moving from Calgary to the Comox Valley in 2002 she enrolled in NIC’s Computer Science Program which she found both challenging and rewarding. Currently Sylvia is working as a Systems Analyst in Northern BC but will return to the Comox Valley at the end of August.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal, awarded to a top student enrolled in a program of one year or less, went to Casmir Thomson a graduate from NIC’s Electronics Technician Core program.
Casmir came to NIC after graduating from G.P. Vanier Secondary. He is an active member of the Army Cadet program earning the title of ‘Chief Warrant Officer’ – the highest rank that can be attained in the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. He plans on continuing on to the diploma program in Industrial Electronics at NIC and then into an apprenticeship as an electrician.
The President’s Awards of Excellence are awarded to top academic students. This year they will be awarded to Holly Edwards (Certificate program in Early Childhood Care and Education); Jesse Maitland (Certificate program in Electronics Technician Core); Jordan Vermette (Diploma program in Computer Science); Jett Jackson (Diploma program in Electronics Technician); and, Martha Russell (Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing).
Holly Edwards graduated from NIC’s Early Childhood Care and Education program and plans on working as a preschool teacher while continuing to further her education. Holly came to NIC after twelve years of raising her own children.
Jesse worked in a fish packing plant in Port Hardy before returning to College. He determined to return to education and take the Electronics Technician Core program. He plans on enrolling in the second level of Industrial Electronics Specialty at NIC this fall and would like to put his skills to work in the renewable energy sector.
Jordan graduated from NIC’s Computer Science program. He plans on completing a computer science degree in programming and hopes to work with Microsoft.
Jett was a recipient of a President’s Award last year and has continued to demonstrate academic excellence this year while completing the diploma level of the Electronics Technician program. He would like to continue his education to become an Electrical Engineer.
Martha entered NIC’s Nursing program as a mature student at the age of 44, having lived in the Comox Valley for sixteen years running a home-based bakery business. Martha hopes to put her RN skills to work in health promotion and patient education. She would also like to work internationally in the future.
North Island College holds graduation and award ceremonies in Port Alberni, Comox Valley Campbell River and Port Hardy. For information on the College and its programs please visit www.nic.bc.ca.
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For further information contact:
Susan Toresdahl
Director College Relations
(250) 334-5271