Learner success translates into academic awards

Bow Valley College (BVC) is giving out $162,000 in awards and scholarships.
The awards, said BVC President and CEO Sharon Carry, are an important part of student success.
“Studies have shown,” she said, “student awards and scholarships encourage learner persistence. That means they’re more likely to complete their program and excel in their studies if their work is acknowledged.”
The scholarships and awards recognize academic excellence, student leadership, and/or financial need.
Three students — Renee Clement, Correctional Studies; Jennifer Herman, Correctional Studies; and Oumria Simoussa, Academic Upgrading, received the Ralph and Colleen Klein Scholarship, valued at $1,682 each.
The Cal Wenzel Family Foundation Awards, each valued at $5,000, recognize learners in the Business and Industry Department who set an example of leadership. The recipients were Sherry Atlan, Interior Decorating and Merchandising; Borislav Denchev, Business Administration; Laura Isturiz, Business Administration; Kerri Marin, Events Management; Medini Prasai, Business Adminsitration; and Whitney Shackleford, Dental Business Assistant.
Trico Homes generously sponsors $5,000 awards to English as a Second Language students. The Adopt-a-Student Entrance Award, a Calgary Sun post-secondary initiative, was awarded to ESL students who transitioned into career programs. The recipients were Stephanie Ingram, Interior Decorating and Merchandising, and Abdulkhaleq, Accounting and Financial Management. Two students — Lily Hu and Khamis Jeanro, both of ESL and Languages programs — receive $5,000 awards from Trico Homes for enrolling in career programs, following success in their ESL programs.
Richard Gotfried of Trico presented the award, noting Khamis spoke no English when he arrived in Canada.
“He is now transitioning into basic education,” Richard said, “but I think he’s far beyond that after my discussions with him. He is a peer role model in his community and we know he will continue to touch the lives of others in the future.”
Sharon sponsored two President’s Awards, each valued at $2,000 and recognizing a ‘natural leader and positive role model who selflessly supports fellow students.’ The award recipients — Stephanie Wilson, Events Management, and Brandy Michelle McCune, Practical Nurse — value teamwork, exemplify ethical behaviour, and advance the greater good.
Sharon recognized Stephanie, about whom you can more here, as a respected role model in her Business and Industry program.
“She has a strong foundation in communciation, leadership, and organizational skills and she understands the importance of cultivating strong interpersonal relationships,” Sharon said.
The Celebrating Student Futures ceremony, held at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, is unique because the donors and sponsors sit with the students who receive the awards.
Sharon thanked the donors and sponsors for their contributions for learner success at BVC.
“Because of these awards, Bow Valley College is a place of learning with doors wide open,” she said. “Thank you for being here and for seeing the effect of your involvement in BVC.”
BVC Board of Governors President Scott Thon echoed Sharon’s words, noting donors and sponsors allow the College to provide learners with an opportunity to achieve success.
“If you ask any one of our students what really makes it possible to achieve, you would hear about support network — of their family, their peers, their instructors,” he said. “And of course, there is each student’s own drive and determination.
“But I believe it is that unexpected benefit — like a scholarship or grant — that gives them an extra boost. It is a vote of confidence that says their hard work has paid off … that we all believe they have done something worthwhile, that we have a lot of faith in what their plan is for society.
“Thank you for showing us we really can change someone’s world.”

Posted with the persmission of Marketing and Communications at Bow Valley College
Written by Angela MacIsaac, Media Relations Coordinator, Bow Valley College

Celebrating Countless Contributions

Last month Bow Valley College Education Assistant learner, Kelly Batt, wrote a letter to Mayor Bronconnier about the work that Education Assistants do each day in schools all over Calgary. As a result the City of Calgary has officially recognized today, May 6, 2009, as Education Assistant Day.

In celebration of this special day the Bow Valley College Alumni Association, Calgary Board of Education and Foothills Academy are sponsoring a recognition event for Education Assistants. This is the second annual celebration for Education Assistants and it is expected that over 100 Education Assistants from across the city will be in attendance.

If you work with, or have a child who is supported by an Education Assistant please take a moment today to tell them that they are appreciated – today is a day to celebrate the countless contributions that Education Assistants make every day in our education system!