What most defines Emily Stewardson Gregory is her life-long passion for helping those most in need. When the 26 year-old Mississauga native completed her honours Bachelor degree in Sociology from Brock University, she was looking for a way to put that passion, alongside the theoretical knowledge she had gained, to work.
She found that opportunity in Niagara College’s Child and Youth Care program, where she excelled academically. On the afternoon of June 18, Stewardson Gregory will cross the stage at the College’s Spring 2019 Convocation ceremonies as the college’s top grad with an astounding 98.43 per cent grade point average.
The accomplishment makes Stewardson Gregory the 2019 recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal. For more than 125 years, the Governor General’s Academic Medals have recognized the outstanding scholastic achievements of students in Canada. They are awarded to the student graduating with the highest average from a high school, as well as from approved college or university programs.
“All my life I’ve known that I want to use my career to help people facing significant life challenges, and support them in making positive life changes,” said Stewardson Gregory. “The (Child and Youth Care) program has given me theoretical and practical experience working with vulnerable populations – it’s literally been a life-changing experience.”
She credits her incredible academic success to several factors. Her strong desire to help vulnerable populations pushed her to apply herself in every aspect of her studies, and she is thankful for the talented faculty in the program, who empowered her to nurture and harness that desire.
“Emily was an amazing student – one we all wish we had in our classrooms,” said Jennifer White, Child and Youth Care program coordinator. “Her academic successes were across the board. She wholeheartedly deserves this recognition, and we are exceptionally proud of her.”
Stewardson Gregory currently resides in St. Catharines with her partner James. She hopes to remain in Niagara as she pursues her career, hoping, among other things, to aid at-risk individuals through work in the educational system and elsewhere.
The Governor General’s Academic Medal was established by Lord Dufferin, Canada’s third Governor General after Confederation to encourage academic excellence across the nation. Lord Dufferin, Canada’s third Governor General after Confederation, created the Academic Medals in 1873 to encourage academic excellence across the nation. Over the years, they have become the most prestigious awards that students in Canadian schools can receive.
Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, spirits, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.
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