More than a dozen outstanding College of the North Atlantic (CNA) graduates were recently honoured with one of Canada’s most prestigious student awards, the Governor General’s Academic Medal.
Recognizing exceptional academic performance, the medals are presented annually to graduates who achieve the highest overall standing in their programs at each CNA campus. The ceremony took place at Government House in St. John’s, where the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Joan Marie Aylward, presented the medals on behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.
“The Governor General’s Academic Medal represents your dedication, your perseverance, and the spirit that drives you forward,” Shirley Woodward, Associate Vice President of Student Services, said to the deserving recipients. “It is one of the most prestigious awards a student can receive in Canada, and today, it belongs to you. Whenever you glance at your medal, let it remind you to keep pushing beyond the ordinary. You are exceptional, and all of us at CNA are proud to have supported you along the way.”
The ceremony celebrated academic achievement across a range of disciplines, highlighting the diversity of CNA’s programs and the excellence of its students.
2025 Governor General’s Academic Medal recipients
- Oluwatosin Akanbi graduated from the Community Leadership Development program at Bay St. George campus. She served as Vice-President of the Student Council and was active as a tutor and mentor. Along with the Governor General’s Academic Medal, Oluwatosin received the President’s Medal of Excellence and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses Newfoundland and Labrador (CLPNNL) Award of Academic Excellence. She is currently exploring new career opportunities.
- Teresa Chadderton graduated from the Early Childhood Education diploma program at Corner Brook campus. A dedicated tutor and peer supporter, she received the Governor General’s Academic Medal, the President’s Medal of Excellence, and several scholarships. Teresa is employed as an Early Childhood Educator with Creative Beginnings Daycare Centre and plans to complete CNA’s Early Childhood Education degree program.
- Amanda Clack graduated from the Community and Therapeutic Recreation program at Prince Philip Drive campus. A peer tutor and Dean’s Honour Roll student, she received the Governor General’s Academic Medal, the President’s Medal of Excellence, and the St. Lawrence Anglican Church Bursary. Amanda is employed as a Recreation Therapy Worker with St. Luke’s Adult and Respite Day Programs in St. John’s.
- Nkechinyere Ebere graduated from the Management Systems Engineering Technology program at Ridge Road campus. She tutored classmates in multiple subjects while balancing family life, earning the Governor General’s Academic Medal, the President’s Medal of Excellence, and several distinction awards. Nkechinyere is now a Communications Coordinator with the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association.
- Alex Edwards graduated from the Bachelor of Applied Information Technology: Systems and Network Cybersecurity program at Prince Philip Drive campus. A Skills Canada and WorldSkills competitor in cloud computing, he also mentored future competitors. Alex received the Governor General’s Academic Medal, the President’s Medal of Excellence, and Dean’s Honour Society recognition. He now works as a Security Analyst with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Rylie Feltham graduated from the Mental Health and Addictions program at Grand Falls-Windsor campus. Recognized for is academic excellence and commitment to helping others, he received both the Governor General’s Academic Medal and the President’s Medal of Excellence.
- Vanessa Hamel graduated from the Mental Health and Addictions diploma program at Happy Valley–Goose Bay campus. She served as Co-President of the Student Council, tutored peers, and mentored new students. Vanessa received the Fry Leadership Award, the Governor General’s Academic Medal, and the President’s Medal of Excellence. She is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies (Psychology) through Cape Breton University.
- Michael Judge graduated from the Heating Systems Technician program at Seal Cove campus. He completed a work term with Harvey’s Oil, graduating at the top of his class and earning the Governor General’s Academic Medal. Michael is now employed full-time with Harvey’s Oil.
- Sheila Mills graduated from the Records and Information Management program at Clarenville campus. She received both the Governor General’s Academic Medal and the President’s Medal of Excellence for her outstanding performance. Sheila is employed as an Executive Office Assistant at Refyne Medi Spa in Paradise.
- Jasmine Normore graduated from the Practical Nursing program at St. Anthony campus. She earned numerous honours, including the Governor General’s Academic Medal, the President’s Medal of Excellence, and several awards recognizing her leadership and compassion. Jasmine now works with NL Health Services in Corner Brook.
- Onyebuchi Joshua Okonkwo graduated from the Welding Engineering Technician (Co-op) program at Burin campus. A tutor and mentor, he received the Governor General’s Academic Medal, the President’s Medal of Excellence, and the Hugh A. Krentz Student Award from the CWB Welding Foundation. Onyebuchi is employed as a Union Technician with TEAM Industrial Services Inc. in Oakville, Ontario.
- Mitchell Snow graduated from the online Video Game Art and Design program. Along with the Governor General’s Academic Medal, he received the President’s Medal of Excellence and served as valedictorian for his graduating class. Mitchell continues to pursue opportunities in game design and digital media.
- Leslie Walsh graduated from the Practical Nursing program at Carbonear campus. She received the Governor General’s Academic Medal, the President’s Medal of Excellence, and the Community Health Nursing Practice Award. Leslie is employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse with NL Health Services in Placentia.
Each of these graduates has demonstrated outstanding commitment to learning and leadership, from tutoring and mentoring peers, to representing CNA on national and international stages, to advancing their fields through compassion, innovation, and professional excellence.
Following the ceremony, medal recipients and their guests attended a reception at Government House, celebrating their achievements alongside CNA leaders, faculty, and staff.
“You are our next generation of greatness,” Woodward added. “You have faced challenges head-on and embraced every opportunity. Today, we celebrate you, your hard work, your determination, and the bright futures ahead.”
