Bailey Melnychuk was the inaugural recipient of the Wayne Toth Motive Power Award.
A surprise scholarship presentation made the third annual Niagara College Car Show about more than just classic cars, as the community turned out in droves for the annual event.
With the rain holding off and more than 200 vehicles on display at the Welland Campus, the event celebrated both automotive passion and the next generation of automotive technicians.
Among them, Motive Power program student Bailey Melnychuk of Airdrie, Alberta who was awarded the Wayne Toth Motive Power Award by the former coordinator himself.
“At this event last year, we announced a brand-new scholarship – a surprise to its namesake, Wayne Toth,” said Duane Bender, Dean of Media, Trades and Technology. “Today, we have another surprise in store: to announce the inaugural recipient of the award.”
Melnychuk shared a few words with the crowd:
“I know I’m far from home, but I wanted to chase a dream I’ve had for a long time. One question that I am always asked is why I chose Niagara college, and the truth is, I don’t really have one, but I am glad I did. I was alone and I had no idea what I was doing, but the teachers within this program helped me find my way. They have given me many opportunities and I’m so thankful for them.”
From L to R: Vince Malvaso, Dr. Fay Lim-Lambie, Nadja Bressan, Bailey Melnychuk, Sean Coote, Wayne Toth, Duane Bender.
Among the highlights of Melnychuk’s time at NC were working in the pits at Merrittville Speedway, helping train firefighters and fire investigators on electric vehicle safety, and restoring a V8 engine in the automotive lab, which she finished with a coat of pink paint.
“I can’t wait to use what I’ve learned from the program in the field, and I hope to make my teachers proud,” said Melnychuk.
Members of NC’s Executive Team were in attendance, including Vice-President, Academic, Dr. Fay Lim-Lambie – who offered opening remarks – Vice-President, College Operations, Vince Malvaso, and Vice-President Partnerships & Enterprises, Sean Coote.
“This is my first Niagara College Car Show since joining the College in December, and it’s truly a pleasure to see such an incredible turnout and the wonderful support from our community,” said. Dr. Lim-Lambie.
NCSAC President Hish Clifford also offered remarks, with members of the NCSAC team out in support.
The NC Car Show was organized by NC’s Community Relations and Events team, and supported by the generosity of community partners, including Gold sponsors WAG Auto Group, Rev’s Full Throttle; Silver Sponsors Mountainview Homes, CAA/Aapex, NCSAC, Assante Wealth Management; Bronze sponsors Welland Chev Olds, Mike Knapp Ford, Grant Taxi, Krown, Pro Battery and DMV Automotive.
