The graduating class fulfills a
traditional celebration with the
post-Convocation hat toss.
Shelly Owchar, Valedictorian for the 2013 graduating class, received her credential
from NLC President Laurie Rancourt and
NLC Board of Governors member Sharon Miller.
FORT NELSON – More than 15 students at the Fort Nelson Campus of Northern Lights College were recognized on June 18 during Convocation ceremonies held at the Phoenix Theatre.
Students in three programs were honoured through the conferral of certificates and diplomas. As well, Shelly Owchar, who completed her B.C. Adult Graduation Diploma, was named the Valedictorian.
In her address to the graduates, Owchar talked about the challenges she faced in returning to school at the age of 41 to complete her high school diploma. She recalled that she had written an equivalency test in order to get into college programming, but “felt there was something left undone.”
Tears welled up in Owchar’s eyes as she recalled the questions and doubts that she had to overcome in her own mind in order to make the significant decision to return to school.
“Will I fit in? Am I too old? Can I really fit this into my busy life? Will my little girl be okay with me not being as involved in her school?” said Owchar. “But the feeling of handing in that last assignment is one that I won’t forget. I stood up from my computer, and did a little dance of joy.”
Denise Stephenson, career counsellor for School District 81, was the keynote speaker. Stephenson recently attended her own Convocation after completing a degree through Athabasca University. She encouraged the graduates not to let this day be the final chapter in their education careers.
Other dignitaries in attendance included: Todd Osborne, acting mayor, Northern Rockies Regional Municipality; Chief Sharleen Wildeman, Fort Nelson First Nation; Cyndi Bonn, Trades program coordinator, Chalo School; Sharon Miller, NLC Board of Governors; and Laurie Rancourt, President, NLC. As well, Gerri McDonald, Aboriginal Student Advisor, Fort Nelson Campus, and Angus Dickie performed an Honour Song for the students.
In addition to the presentation of credentials to the graduates, a number of students at the Fort Nelson Campus were recognized with awards, bursaries and scholarships. Awards were received by the following students:
- Kelly Clarke (M. Keith Lutsiak Business Management Award, BC Hydro Award, Northern Institute for Resource Studies Award, NLC Student Association Award)
- Kristiana Bailey (Paul Dampier Community Commitment Award, Zedi Aboriginal Award, Fort Nelson First Nation Award, Western Financial Group Award)
- Olivia Ford (M. Keith Lutsiak Business Management Award, Fort Nelson Rotary Club Award)
- Corrine Diamond-C (Eh Cho Dene Enterprises Award, Conoco Phillips Canada Aboriginal Award)
- Kiran Waughtal (Credit Union Foundation of BC Award, Duncan MacRae Endowment Fund Award)
- Kimberly Kosmynka (Fort Nelson Campus Staff and Alumni Award)
- Tara Sorken (James Keeler Memorial Award)
- Melanie Capot Blanc (Nikki MacDonald Memorial Award)
- Julie-Anna Capot Blanc (Vancouver Foundation Bursary Award)
- Tracey Mearow (Vancouver Foundation Bursary Award)
- Marina Sindeeva (Commitment to Education Award)
- Shelly Owchar (Academic Excellence Award)
- Mitchell DeCecco (G&O Bumper to Bumper Award)
- Heather Roscoe (Northern Rockies Regional District Award)
The College holds three Convocation ceremonies each year. The Dawson Creek ceremony was held June 14, and the Fort St. John ceremony is set for June 21.