2021 Celebration of Learning Hamilton Spectator Feature
Academic Excellence Award, Allied Health & President’s Award of Student Excellence
Miguel Aguirre Garcia
Miguel is an excellent role model and inspiration for other students, always willing to lend a hand, and support his peers. Miguel has been nothing short of outstanding during the entirety of his program, and continues to impress faculty every day. Miguel is humble, professional and passionate about his field and will be a true asset to future employers. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Allied Health!
Academic Excellence Award, Apprenticeship
Taylor Etzl
Taylor is a hard worker who is committed to achieving excellence in his studies and his academic accomplishments have been outstanding. Taylor is a leader amongst his peers, supporting others and their learning. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Apprenticeship!
Academic Excellence Award, Building & Construction Sciences
Jessica Westbrook
Jessica is an exceptional student leader who exemplifies the highest qualities we strive to instill in Mohawk’s students and graduates. Jessica has motivated and lead her peers to achieve academic successes. An active volunteer within the surrounding community and founding member and president of the Women in Technology and Trades group at Mohawk, she constantly volunteers her time to help others and is heavily relied on for many projects. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Building and Construction Sciences!
Academic Excellence Award, Business
Heather Penner
Heather is an exceptional life-long learner. She puts forth a positive attitude and determination in everything she commits to. Heather is known not only for her excellent work ethic, but also for a strong commitment to helping others. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Business!
Academic Excellence Award - Chemical, Biotechnology & Environmental Studies
Matthew Gilmour
Matthew is an exemplary student who maintains a high GPA while also helping others to achieve their own successes. Leading discussions with peers, assisting faculty with technology and actively participating with the Bay Area Restoration Council, are all examples of Matthew’s commitment to supporting Mohawk and the surrounding community. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Chemical, Biotechnology & Environmental Studies!
Academic Excellence Award, Community Studies
Kathryn Turco
Kathryn is an excellent student leader and Mohawk ambassador who has positively contributed to the Mohawk community. Along with her academic success, Kathryn always impresses faculty with active participation and contributions both in and outside of the classroom. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Community Studies!
Academic Excellence Award, Construction & Building Systems
Michael Zedo
Michael is an exceptional student leader and eager learner. Faculty describe Michael as a pleasure to teach, and they value the enthusiasm and ideas that he brings to the classroom. Michael takes the time to help his peers and motivates others with his steadfast work and study habits. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Construction and Building Systems!
Academic Excellence Award, Creative Industries & President's Award for Student Excellence
Brittany Gole
Brittany is an inspirational student leader who strives for high academic achievement while selflessly contributing to the Mohawk community. Brittany displays a strong commitment to supporting her peers and faculty by fostering learning environments suitable to those she works with. Brittany’s leadership style fully embraces and epitomizes Mohawk’s ideal for engaged learning and community impact. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Creative Industries!
Academic Excellence Award, Electrical & Computer Engineering Technology
Jennifer Armstrong
Jennifer is an outstanding student leader and a great source of support to her peers. Jennifer is known for her active participation, strong organization skills, and excellent work. As a leader in the New Developers student group, Jennifer is constantly helping others who may be struggling with a course. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology!
Academic Excellence Award, English for Academic Purposes
Paulina Huang
Paulina is a brilliant student who has attained outstanding academic achievements at Mohawk. Paulina’s peers and faculty value their kind and friendly nature and appreciate their curiosity and passion for learning. A leader and active participant in group discussions, Paulina is an important part of the EAP and Mohawk community. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for English for Academic Purposes!
Academic Excellence Award, Health Studies
Aastha Chhatlani
Aastha has a true passion for learning and a strong commitment to her academic goals. Outside of the classroom, Aastha is regularly involved in the Hamilton community, applying her knowledge and experiences with the hope of leaving a positive impact. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Health Studies!
Academic Excellence Award, Industrial and Motive Power
Ferin Patel
Ferin is an outstanding student who has maintained academic success. Ferin has an exceptional work ethic and an inquisitive nature, which has contributed to his pursuit of excellence. His positive attitude towards learning and willingness to accept feedback to improve his learning is commendable. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Industrial and Motive Power!
Academic Excellence Award, Liberal Studies
Sarah Scharer
Sarah is an astounding committed life long learner. Sarah strives for high academic achievement, which is reflected by her impeccable GPA. Sarah displays a strong commitment to supporting her peers with a welcoming demeanor and excellent communication skills. Sarah’s faculty are very impressed with her active involvement in the classroom. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Liberal Studies!
Academic Excellence Award, Nursing
Lisa Burgess
Lisa is caring, passionate and hard working and consistently excels academically in her studies. A true ambassador and role model for her peers and the program, Lisa has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities both in the classroom and in the community. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Nursing!
Academic Excellence Award, Social Services & Justice Studies
Nan Zhang
Nan has an admirable commitment to education. Nan works hard to maintain a high GPA, while also volunteering her time to support the Mohawk and surrounding community. Nan’s professors are impressed by her active engagement in the classroom and passion for learning. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Social Services and Justice Studies!
Accessibility Leadership Award
Devon Pflugbeil
Devon is a model student and an astute thinker who is in tune with who he is and how he learns best. Devon’s effective communication skills and enthusiasm towards education has helped him successfully transition to Mohawk. Devon actively participates and collaborates with student support services, as it demonstrates his desire to learn and do well in college. Congratulations on receiving the Accessibility Leadership Award!
Alumni Outstanding Student Leader Award
Mohi Ahmed
Mohi is an ambitious student leader who models advocacy and fortitude to make a positive impact for students. In his many volunteer roles at Mohawk, Mohi has shown commitment and compassion to help and inspire others towards academic success. Congratulations on receiving the Alumni Outstanding Leader Award!
Applied Research Award of Excellence
Ryan Joslin
Ryan, is an outstanding student, which is demonstrated by his remarkable GPA, work with the CIRA project and his volunteer efforts in the accessibility field. Ryan’s superb communication and problem solving skills have made him an asset to his research team, and his amazing ability to foster relationships with others have strengthened his learning and the learning of those around him. Congratulations on receiving the Applied Research Award of Excellence!
Co-Curricular Volunteer Award
Theodore “Ted” Gerginis
Ted has demonstrated an immeasurable dedication to serving the Mohawk community. As a true ambassador for the college, he has displayed a passion for building meaningful relationships with others, supporting peers and new students transitioning to the college. Through Ted’s extra curricular activities, he has honed and strengthened his personal and professional development. Congratulations on receiving the Co-Curricular Volunteer Award!
Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Award
Fredie Bianchi
Fredie has made a tremendous impact at his co-op work placement. While working with his team, Fredie displayed persistence and strong communication skills to build meaningful relationships, become a trusted team member, and effectively implement new ideas. During the unprecedented time of the pandemic, Fredie’s ingenuity allowed him to complete complex tasks and essential responsibilities with professionalism and proficiency, and all with a humbling approach. Congratulations on receiving the Co-Operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Award!
Commitment to Education Award
Elizabeth Bergman
Elizabeth is a shining example of what determination, resilience, and commitment to learning can achieve. As a mature student returning to school and facing many challenges, Elizabeth has persevered to complete her upgrading program in record time. While working towards her own goals, Elizabeth still make time to encourage and support her peers to excel in their studies. Congratulations on receiving the Commitment to Education Award!
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Impact Award
Sherline Morris
Sherline, is an engaged student leader who fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Sherline encourages intercultural collaboration and communication with peers, and demonstrate the appreciation and celebration of equity, diversity and inclusion within the college environment and community in general. Congratulations on receiving the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Impact Award!
Indigenous Leadership Award
Aria D’alimonte
Aria is an active and committed member of both the Indigenous community and the Mohawk College community. Aria leads open and respectful dialogue to foster positive relationships with those around her, and educate Non-Indigenous and Indigenous individuals about Indigenous peoples issues and resources within the community. Congratulations on receiving the Indigenous Leadership Award!
International Student Leader Award
Sanghui “Agatha” Lee
Sanghui is a dedicated student and valuable member of the Mohawk Community. Collaborating with numerous areas within the college, Sanghui is a role model and huge support to her fellow international students. Sanghui’s passion for learning is evident, having successfully completed the EAP program, now thriving in the Mechanical Engineering Program and becoming an excellent communicator in a language foreign to her. Congratulations on receiving the International Student Leader Award!
Learning Support Centre Leadership Award
Daniella Benincasa
Daniella is a patient, understanding and hard working student leader. Daniella always goes above and beyond her duties by taking the time to find additional resources and supports for the students she tutors. Daniella faces challenges with positivity and flexibility, maintaining commitment to supporting students. Congratulations on receiving the Learning Support Center Leadership Award!
Learning Support Centre Leadership Award
Melissa Pigg
Melissa exemplifies true dedication to helping students excel academically. She is always motivating peers while helping them reach their goals in writing and communications. Melissa’s strong collaboration skills, along with her ability to take initiative, has helped her make a significant impact within the Mohawk Community. Congratulations on receiving the Learning Support Center Leadership Award!
Learning Support Centre Leadership Award
Ana Santos
Ana is a valued student leader, mentor and co-worker, with a strong dedication to helping students succeed academically. Ana’s genuine care for others and their success is apparent as she empowers students by highlighting their skills and encourages them in developing a growth mindset. Ana has a strong passion for her studies and dedication to helping others. Congratulations on receiving the Learning Support Center Leadership Award!
MoSpirit Award
Mahara Pereira de Melo Godzicki
Mahara is the embodiment of MoSpirit. Her dedication and compassion towards helping others has made an incredible impact at Mohawk. Never backing down from a challenge, Mahara embraces various volunteer opportunities and experiences with enthusiasm, and is always eager to support other students. Mahara is a passionate and positive contributor towards the Mohawk Community. Congratulations on receiving the MoSpirit Award!
Outstanding Recreation Participant Award
Colin Beam
Colin is a patient, passionate and kind student leader, who builds positive connections with those around him. Colin’s dedication to the Special Olympics, and his ability to communicate and collaborate effectively, have proven him to be an invaluable contributor to the success and continuity of the UNIFIED sport program. Colin has been a tremendous supporter in all aspects of recreation, for athletes, staff and volunteers. Congratulations on receiving the Outstanding Recreation Participant Award!
Outstanding Varsity Athlete Award
Kalea Kirsh
Kalea demonstrates the focus, determination and compassion for others that exemplifies an inspiring Student Leader. Kalea has given her time to volunteer and use ingenuity in advocacy for mental health and helping create a world without stigma. Kalea’s efforts have truly left a tangible impact on the Mohawk and surrounding community. Congratulations on receiving the Outstanding Varsity Athlete Award!
Sustainability Award
Melissa Ramos-Santos
Melissa demonstrates an exceptional commitment to sustainability leadership at Mohawk and in the community. Through her work on numerous campaigns and projects, Melissa fosters sustainable skills, awareness and participation amongst her peers. Melissa leads by demonstrating her commitment to the betterment of our community by living a zero-waste lifestyle and educating others through her own social platforms. Congratulations on receiving the Sustainability Award!