On May 3, 10 students in the Niagara Peninsula Aboriginal Area Management Board’s (NPAAMB) Journey to Success in Healthcare program graduated in a special ceremony at Niagara College’s Welland Campus. The 14-week program offered by Niagara College is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the healthcare industry. This is the second cohort to graduate from the program.
“Students get exposure to the healthcare industry and essential skills to make an informed decision about which path to take,” said Shanyn Porter, program manager with Niagara College. “All 10 students who started the program, graduated.”
Over the course of 14 weeks, classes were held at NC’s Welland Campus. The program blends the knowledge of NC’s School of Applied Health and cultural expertise of NPAAMB, including training in CPR/First Aid, Food Handler Safety, and Mental Health First Aid, among others.
The graduation ceremony opened with a traditional song sung by Cindilee Ecker-Flagg. The ceremony was highly emotional and personal, with coach mentor Marie Bowering offering kinds words of support and awards tailored to each student’s personal growth through the program. Bowering commended student Jennifer Bush for her adaptability and resilience, Maddie McConnell for motivating others, Natasha Iannacchino for accountability to herself and her community, and many more. As coach mentor, Bowering helped to connect students to resources and offered spiritual guidance to help students overcome barriers. The ceremony closed with a traditional song led by student Emily Fox.
On behalf of NPAAMB, service delivery manager Rhonda Dickenson congratulated the cohort of graduates. “I know there were some challenges you had to face – a relocation, being away from home, snow days – plus personal challenges. But you rose above it all and completed the program. I look forward to all the great things you will achieve in the future.”
Class Valedictorians Maggie Sutherland and Allan St. Pierre. Sutherland took home three awards for Academic Excellence, Outstanding Achievement for the highest grade, and the Award of Distinction. St. Pierre won an Award of Excellence in recognition of having an average of over 80 per cent.
In her Valedictorian speech, NPAAMB student Maggie Sutherland describes the program as a “safe and happy environment with support from teachers.” Sutherland earned the Outstanding Achievement Award for having the highest grade in the class, and the Award of Distinction for compassion and professionalism.
“Our ancestors made sacrifices for us and want us to succeed in our journey,” said NPAAMB student Allan St. Pierre in his speech. St. Pierre won an Award of Excellence in recognition of having an average of over 80 per cent.
To the graduating class, Sutherland offers parting wisdom from Roy T. Bennett, “Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”
