Ten students in the Niagara Peninsula Aboriginal Area Management Board’s (NPAAMB) Journey to Success in Hospitality and Tourism graduated in a special ceremony at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus on August 16. The 14-week program offered by Niagara College is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the hospitality and tourism industry.
The ceremony opened with a traditional morning greeting song, sang by the NPAAMB instructional and support team joined by students Artyna Jonathan-King and CJ Desy.
“The song was a beautiful testament to the morning gathering that celebrated the achievements of 10 students who started the program as individuals 14 weeks ago and completed the journey together,” said Shanyn Porter, project manager and educator, Workforce Development and Community Programs at NC.
Porter described this NPAAMB cohort as “fun-loving” and the perfect fit for the Hospitality program. Most of the students hailed from Brantford and stayed in residence at the NOTL Campus during the program, developing a family-like bond.
“They built incredible rapport with their NC teachers and the NPAAMB support team. They cooked together, shared meals, and road-tripped together across Niagara to explore all the region has to offer,” said Porter.
Chris Turkey, selected by students as the class valedictorian, honoured each of his fellow classmates in a touching speech. Turkey acknowledged each of his classmates individual characteristics in his speech, providing words of encouragement.
Eight of the 10 graduating students achieved the ‘Award of Excellence,’ granted to those who have achieved an overall grade of 80% or higher.
“This group of young people were incredibly competitive,” said Porter. “They understood the importance of doing well in their studies and were eager to earn awards that acknowledge their hard work and dedication.”
The Journey to Success program has been running since May 2018. The August 2019 cohort is the fourth to graduate, and only second in the Hospitality program. The relationship between NC and NPAAMB grows stronger through every delivery, and the collaborative support model is helping students reach the finish line and beyond.
– Info submitted by Workforce Development and Community Programs
