Twelve outstanding College of the North Atlantic (CNA) graduates were recently honoured with Canada’s most prestigious student award, the Governor General’s Academic Medal.
As recipients of this medal, graduates showcased exceptional academic performance in their fields of study, earning the highest marks at their individual campuses. Presenting the awards this year were the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Joan Marie Aylward, on behalf of the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, and CNA President and CEO Elizabeth Kidd.
“One of the happy privileges of the Lieutenant Governor is the duty to recognize excellence, and I am looking at excellence here today,” Aylward said. “Excellence comes in many forms, and here we celebrate and honour those among us who contribute to our province with distinction.”
The November 8, 2024 ceremony recognized academic achievement in a range of disciplines, with winners showcasing the breadth of achievement across CNA’s diverse programs:
- Jackson Appleby, Welding Engineering Technician, Burin campus.
- Alyssa Christopher, Executive Office Management, Corner Brook campus.
- Trudy Crewe, Executive Office Management, Carbonear campus.
- Glenda Genge, Practical Nursing, St. Anthony campus.
- Grace Hatcher, Practical Nursing, Carbonear campus.
- Megan Jackson, Executive Office Management, Grand Falls-Windsor campus.
- Sahildeel Kaur, Graphic Communications, Prince Phillip Drive campus.
- Travis Lucas, Digital Filmmaking, Bay St. George campus.
- Devin Lush, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Technician, Gander campus.
- Allie Lynch, Mechanical Engineering Technology (Manufacturing) Co-op, Ridge Road campus.
- Daisy Ochola, Practical Nursing, Happy Valley-Goose Bay campus.
- Thomas Woolridge, Enterprise Web Development, Clarenville campus.
President Kidd emphasized that the medal is a significant achievement, symbolizing countless hours of hard work and dedication.
“Every time you glance at your medal, let it inspire you to push beyond the ordinary,” she said. “You have earned this. Be proud of your achievement and know that we at CNA take immense pride in having supported your journey. You’ve shown us what is possible, and we cannot wait to see where your ambitions will take you next.”
Following the formal presentation of awards, medal winners were treated to an elegant reception at the historic Government House in St. John’s, official residence of the Lieutenant Governor. TV & Film Creation student Michael “Meek” Obuobi captured the celebration in this gallery of photos.
