Faculty and graduates attend CNC Convocation Saturday. Photos 250News

Prince George, B.C. – Students from the College of New Caledonia’s class of 2015 were on hand to receive their parchment at CNC’s Prince George campus Convocation ceremony at CN Centre Saturday afternoon.

The graduating class is comprised of 251 students receiving their certificates and diplomas however some of the graduates could not attend convocation due to work and other commitments.  Those who were in attendance, students and their families and friends, were told by college President Henry Reiser that “all of our students have worked extremely hard to get here, and this ceremony is our chance to congratulate and honour them.  We are always proud to see our graduates take on larger roles and become leaders in our communities.”

Three special awards were handed out at the ceremony.  The Governor General’s Academic Collegiate Bronze Medal, which is awarded for exceptional academic achievement, was presented to Katrina Noda.   She graduated with her Practical Nursing diploma having achieved the highest overall grade point average in a diploma-level, post-secondary program.

The Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal is awarded to a CNC student in a vocational or career program which is less than two years long.  It goes to a student who has excelled in studies and has contributed to the life of the college community.  This year’s winner is Correen Vanessa Blishen, who graduated with honours from the Early Childhood Care and Learning Program.

The Mary John Award of Excellence is presented each year to the Aboriginal CNC student who strives to live with dignity while serving others and their community.  It is named for Mary John of Saik’uz (formerly Stoney Creek) who was honoured at the local, provincial and national levels for her outstanding service to every community she touched.

The 2015 recipient of the award in her name is Lauretta Prince, a member of Tl’azt’en First Nation who lives and studies in Nak’azdli.    While supporting others around her Lauretta is recognized for balancing her work, family and community commitments while completing a Business Administration Certificate at the college’s Fort St. James campus.  She has worked for the Nak’azdli band for the past 34 years in their finance department.