First-year Carpentry and Renovation student Helen Doucher was recently awarded the Niagara Home Builders Association Scholarship in recognition of her academic success, dedication, enthusiasm and leadership amongst her peers.
This faculty-awarded scholarship was established in 2015 and is presented annually to a student in the Renovation Technician – Construction program who excels academically while remaining a committed and involved member of the community through volunteer work.
“Helen was selected for this scholarship for several reasons,” said Annette Dearling-Manchester, professor in the School of Trades. “First, she has excelled academically by earning high marks in all her courses. Secondly, Helen has shown outstanding participation and enthusiasm in her lab classes in the carpentry shop and we are delighted to have her in our program.”
“As a new mom, I have less time than ever for school, but at Niagara College I’m thriving,” said Doucher. “The small class sizes mean that I know my teachers, it’s easy to ask questions, and I’m supported every step of the way.”
“I can’t express enough how different my education at Niagara College feels from my previous experiences at other institutions,” Doucher added. “I am so grateful to all my instructors in the Carpentry and Renovation program for providing me with the knowledge and skills that have helped put be on a new and better life trajectory.”
The Niagara Home Builders’ Association is the voice of the residential construction and renovation industry in Niagara. They are a vital industry providing thousands of jobs, and a wide range of housing options for people choosing to live, work and play in Niagara’s communities. This bursary recognizes the importance of education and encourages Niagara College students to pursue careers in the construction industry.
“As a young girl I never imagined myself building houses. Even though I loved drawing floor plans, and I loved working with my hands. I always thought I would be a farmer. Maybe now that more women are entering the trades, another young girl will watch someone like me build a house- and know that she is strong enough and capable enough to do this work also. Maybe she won’t need as much trial and error before finding her path,” said Doucher.
