“While this year has brought on new challenges, we must always rise to the occasion and give our best efforts,” shared Business Administration – Supply Chain and Operations Management student Val Christian Santos, who recently obtained a 99% average in his program.
Santos was one of many students who were recognized for their success over the Winter 2021 term during the virtual International Student Awards ceremony held earlier this spring on April 8. He was also among the top 15 students who received a $1,000 (CAD) Keith Segal – guard.me International Scholarship, which recognizes the top grades from each school of study.
“I am humbled by this award and would like to dedicate this to my family and friends who never fail to give their love and support,” said Santos. “I am grateful to Keith Segal and guard.me for their generous donation especially to the international students of Niagara College.”
Each term, NC recognizes the positive impact of international students who demonstrate academic excellence and contribute to the College community through its International Student Awards. Although typically hosted in person, the Winter 2021 marked the second awards ceremony to be hosted virtually. The scholarships that are handed out as part of the awards, aim to honour the best and brightest students from around the world who have achieved remarkable academic success.
Associate director of student services, Maxine Semple was the master of ceremonies for the Winter 2021 term International Student Awards.
“While we all wish that we could have gathered together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our dedicated students in person, it was a genuine highlight of the year to be privileged to recognize the outstanding academic accomplishments of this year’s award winners,” shared Semple. “This group is held in such special regard given the challenges they each persevered, propelling themselves to success despite the realities of the pandemic’s impact on their academic year.”
Police Foundations student, William Wildgoose achieved a 100% average in the Winter 2021 term, the highest average recognized during the event. Originally from the United Kingdom, Wildgoose also won an international student award in the Fall 2020 term.
In total, 30 awards and $25,000 in scholarships were given through the International Student Awards thanks to the generous contributions of the College’s supporters.
“I’ve been able to excel academically thanks to many great resources Niagara College provides as well as thanks to many great people from staff who were willing to help me at any moment,” shared Computer Systems Technician – Network and Cloud Technologies student, Maksym Iliev who is originally from Ukraine. Iliev was also awarded a Keith Segal – guard.me International Scholarship for obtaining a 95% average in the Winter 2021 term. “Thanks to that, I’ve been able to maintain 90% GPA across all my semesters so far, and I am very proud of that. I feel honoured to win this scholarship as it is going to provide a substantial support to me as a student in a pandemic.”
In addition to the scholarship donation, Illiev added how he was also thankful to guard.me for the services they provide.
“I am thankful for an incredible service the guard.me insurance provides to international students in need of medical support as I’ve got to experience it first-hand. Thanks to this scholarship I am going to be able to invest even more in my education to help me pursue excellence in my career, for which I am really thankful.”
For obtaining a 96% average in the Winter 2021 term, Pharmacy Technician student Justine Eve Lisondra Carbonilla, received her second Keith Segal – guard.me International Scholarship. Carbonilla, who is originally from the Philippines, was also awarded the scholarship for her accomplishments in the Fall 2020 term.
“I am greatly honored to be selected as one of the recipients of Keith Segal – guard.me International Scholarship,” shared Carbonilla. “My hard work has certainly paid off. I know that I would not be able to achieve this award without the help and support of my family, my mentors/professors, friends, classmates and Niagara College community who inspired me to be the best that I can be.”
She added how this scholarship meant a lot to her. “I realized that there are generous people out there who are interested in my success, believe in me and support my journey,” said Carbonilla. “This award will definitely pave the way in achieving my educational and career goals. Thank you so much!”
The Dr. Mary Tchalekian Scholarship, worth $1,000, is granted to the student each term who demonstrates both excellent academic performance and a desire to make a difference upon returning to their countries. This term, this scholarship was awarded to Andrea Fernanda Garcia Espina, who is originally from Mexico. A brief video message was shared during the virtual ceremony from the scholarship’s donor, Mary Kilmer Tchalekian, PhD.
The last award of the night was the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC) International Student Award, which recognizes a student who achieves academic excellence and who takes advantage of extra-curricular and volunteer opportunities offered through NCSAC to enrich life experiences and fulfill dreams. Former NCSAC president Tom Price presented the award to Lea Christina Bautista Patajo, who is originally from the Philippines.
