2024 Celebration of Learning Hamilton Spectator Feature
President's Award of Student Excellence & International Student Leader Award
Sidra Gul
Sidra is a well-recognized student leader at Mohawk College with a multitude of personal and professional connections across the campus that she has thoughtfully nurtured and maintained over the years. With an overwhelming amount of nominations, Sidra is known for her cheerful attitude, willingness to share knowledge, and collaborative approach in supporting students and working with staff and faculty. Sidra’s tireless work ethic is evident, and her caring and kind nature contributes to making others feel comfortable and understood on campus. Sidra’s ambition and enthusiasm for photography and helping others is tangible, taking on roles such as a Peer Tutor with the Learning Support Centre, Campus Ambassador within Student Life, and International Ambassador with the Language and Culture Centre and in her program area. A second-time Celebration of Learning award recipient, Sidra is an incredible role model and talented photographer, capturing the joy of various events at Mohawk College and beyond, inspiring confidence in others to excel and make their dreams come true.
Academic Excellence Award – Allied Health
Vanessa Rafanan
Vanessa is an extremely dedicated student who has harmoniously found balance and success in both her academic and personal life. Vanessa has the innate ability to accomplish tasks and goals with efficiency, using the resources and time available to her. As a new mother, she has had to prioritize her time between her studies, and yet she is always willing and happy to share her knowledge, creating a collaborative and supportive academic environment around her.
Academic Excellence Award – Apprenticeship
Roisin Fagan
Roisin is a strong student leader who fosters community and collaboration at Mohawk College and within her surrounding community. As a leader and mentor within her field, Roisin has promoted active discussions among her peers, enhancing the educational experience of others, as well as her own. As an active member of WITT (Women in Technology & Trades), the YWCA and other local tradeswomen groups, she proudly encourages and supports other women and people of diverse identities in joining the trades.
Academic Excellence Award – Building & Construction Sciences
Zahra Moghimi
Zahra, is a committed student leader who exemplifies hard work and excellence, which is demonstrated by her academic success. She is a beacon of inspiration among her peers, prioritizing her studies with multiple jobs and a family. Zahra’s perseverance is a testament of her commitment to her education. Always in attendance and on time for lectures, completing assignments with a high level of perfection, and assisting her peers with school work, she is an extraordinary individual who embodies hard work, intelligence and kindness.
Academic Excellence Award – Building Systems & Sustainability
Louis Budai
Louis, is an exceptional student and ambassador to his program and to Mohawk College. Louis takes pride in supporting his peers and his leadership in his program has been admirable. Not only is Louisa a great supporter and ambassador, he is diligent in his studies and consistently achieves a high academic standing. Louis is absolutely on his way to becoming one of the top Future Ready graduates from his class.
Academic Excellence Award – McKeil School of Business
Lisset Amortegui-Munoz
Lis is an incredible student leader who is passionate about enhancing the student experience and supporting her peers. She is inherently hard working, extremely bright, and gives her all in everything that she does! Lis has been a role model in the classroom, graduating from the International Business Management diploma program with honors and consistently achieving a high academic standing in the Analytics for Business Decision-Making program. Her impact at Mohawk College stretches beyond the classroom as Lis provides support to her peers as a Peer Tutor, she advocates for herself and her classmates by bringing to light student struggles in the most professional and kind manner, and she facilitates fun programming for students and mentors her fellow Campus Ambassadors as a Lead Ambassador in the Student Life office. The staff, faculty, and students at Mohawk College are lucky to have Lis as a co-worker, student, and peer, and the college is lucky to have such a vibrant, influential, and passionate student leader.
Academic Excellence Award – Business & Entrepreneurship
Jenetta Odoi
Jenetta, is a dedicated learner with a natural intellectual curiosity, which has surely inspired her outstanding academic performance across various subjects. Meeting academic challenges with hard work and perseverance, she demonstrates commitment to knowledge and intellectual growth. Jenetta has the ability to convey ideas articulately and effectively in the classroom, and attentively listens to others, fostering open dialogue and understanding amongst her peers.
Academic Excellence Award – Chemical, Biotechnology, Environmental & Aviation
Allan Falconer
Allan shows incredible passion for learning and contributing to the betterment of the Mohawk College community. His involvement as a Peer Tutor and as the Student Governor showcases his genuine desire to advocate for the needs of his peers and to make positive changes at the college. Allan’s professionalism and experience, coupled with his helpful and supportive nature, are the perfect combination to best serve the diverse population of students at the college.
Academic Excellence Award – Communication & Global Studies
Rina Roka Magar
Rina’s dedication to learning and high academic performance is extremely impressive. Always engaged in the classroom, Rina’s thoughtful questions and insightful observations have set her apart from others. Beyond the classroom, Rina’s commitment to learning and collaborating extends through her involvement in numerous campus volunteer initiatives and skill-building workshops. Rina, thank you for all of your contributions to the Mohawk College community.
Academic Excellence Award – Community Studies
Jayden Robinson
Jayden’s hard work and dedication have led to his successful and smooth transition to Mohawk College. Jayden has met adversity with positivity, utilizing resources to contribute to his academic success, and he has shared his lived experiences to advocate for change in promoting a safer campus for all students. A mentor with the ErinoakKids Centre, and volunteer with the Oakville Public Library, Jayden continues to inspire children and youth with physical and developmental disabilities by sharing his journey at Mohawk College.
Academic Excellence Award – Computer Science & Information Technology
Pal Patel
With voracious curiosity and a passion for learning, Pal’s remarkable academic record exemplifies excellence in education. Her dedication to learning is not only evident in her grades, but also through her active participation in co-curricular activities within the Mohawk College community. Pal is a top student and an inspiration to her peers, always willing to share her knowledge and to help others.
Academic Excellence Award – Continuing Education
Johanna Finch
Johanna is an inspiring lifelong learner who encapsulates Mohawk College’s Institutional Learning Outcomes. Overcoming adversity, Johanna works hard and seeks out resources to support her learning to achieve the greatest outcomes possible, which is demonstrated by her noteworthy grades. As a first-generation university graduate who continued to Mohawk College to complete her diploma, Johanna has successfully balanced her studies, being a single parent of two children, and also working full-time, to accomplish her goals. This extraordinary display of determination and hard work is inspiring and no doubt has caught the attention of her faculty and peers.
Academic Excellence Award – Creative Industries
Carla Mariana Baca Palomo
There is no doubt that Carla’s pursuit for success in her field is unmatched. She strives to achieve excellence in all that she does and her grades are no exception. Carla’s enthusiasm as a Mohawk College student is a joy to watch and she takes great pride in sharing her experiences and passion as a photographer with others, especially in her role a as a volunteer and Student Leader on campus. Carla always finds ways to immerse herself in learning within her field, especially by volunteering in the community as a photographer. Carla, thank you for being an engaged member of the Mohawk College and surrounding community.
Academic Excellence Awards – Electrical, Transportation & Innovation
Zedrick Paul Ylarde Meriales
Zedrick exemplifies what a Mohawk College student should strive to be. With a strong ambition to achieve high academic success, he demonstrates diligence and a comprehensive understanding of course material within his program. Acting as a role model to his peers, Zedrick upholds academic integrity, collaborates with faculty, and is always happy to assist others with course material. There is no doubt that Zedrick will go on to achieve great success beyond Mohawk College, within his field, and otherwise.
Academic Excellence Awards – Health Studies
Brooklyn Murray
Throughout Brooklyn’s, academic journey at Mohawk College, she has exhibited her passion and commitment to her education, to her field, and to her community in a number of ways. Volunteering with Fit to Pitch and coaching with multiple organizations, Brooklyn applies her knowledge beyond the classroom, deepening her understanding of concepts, while making meaningful contributions to her community. Brooklyn is a valuable resource and a role model to her peers for her academic and professional achievements.
Academic Excellence Awards – Liberal & Administrative Studies
Santhir Moodley
Santhir, is a diligent, dedicated, and committed student who demonstrates an exceptional ability to critically engage with and reflect upon the complexities of course topics. He regularly draws upon his past experiences in the restaurant industry to connect with and illuminate course discussions, which enhance the learning environment for both his peers and even his faculty. Academically, Santhir demonstrates the skills required to achieve the highest level of success. Beyond his academic pursuits, he selflessly strives to help his peers achieve the same level of success that he has. Santhir shows genuine care for others in his role as a Peer Tutor at Mohawk College and within his community volunteer work. Having overcome such adversity already, he will undoubtedly go on to achieve his goals in becoming a successful therapist! Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Liberal and Administrative Studies!
Academic Excellence Awards – Mississauga Campus
Rozhin Sagharikhodaparast
Rozhin is extremely hard-working and dedicated to achieving excellence in her academics. Besides having impeccable academic achievements, she is a supportive student leader among her peers and a true ambassador of Mohawk College. Holding the roles of Peer Tutor and Co- Chair of the Communications Club on campus, Rozhin selflessly makes time for others in helping them reach their own academic success. Rozhin also continues to show her dedication to learning and involvement on campus in her co-op placement at triOS as an IT Support Technician. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award – Mississauga Campus! It is certainly well deserved.
Academic Excellence Awards – Mississauga Campus
Poojan Nayyar
Poojan’s academic achievements are truly outstanding! He is highly regarded as a Peer Tutor on campus and his patience, understanding, and willingness to go the extra mile have not gone unnoticed. Whether it's explaining difficult concepts, offering helpful study tips, or providing encouragement, Poojan consistently demonstrates a genuine passion for helping his peers excel. Poojan is an integral part of his college community, serving on the MSA’s Board of Directors and participating in the campus Dance Club, and he inspires others by modeling qualities of excellence in leadership. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award – Mississauga Campus!
Academic Excellence Awards – Nursing
Noblepreet Kaur
With outstanding communication skills and an exceptional ability to foster empathetic and effective connections with patients, families, and colleagues, Noblepreet is a model nursing student. In her placements, she actively engages as a collaborator, working seamlessly within diverse healthcare teams to ensure comprehensive and patient-centered care, using analytical thinking to make informed decisions, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. Noblepreet’s passion for the nursing field is evident and reflected by her academic success, along with her pursuit of additional certifications and enthusiasm for continuous learning. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Nursing!
Academic Excellence Award - Community, Wellness and Public Safety
J Everets
J’s leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration abilities, along with their strong commitment to life-long learning is truly outstanding. J is recognized by their faculty for impeccable work and for their genuine inquisitiveness and curiosity which often generates stimulating conversation amongst J’s peers. With a nuanced understanding of the barriers and challenges faced by socially-excluded populations, J has made valuable contributions towards the important research done for the “The City School Model: Researching the Impact of Employer-Designed Career Access programs in Improving Outcomes for Underserved Populations (2020-2023)” project. As well, J fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment while supporting their peers as a Peer Tutor. Congratulations on receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Community, Wellness and Public Safety!
Accessibility Leadership Award
Elizabeth-Joy Phillips
Elizabeth-Joy exemplifies what it means to be a student leader at Mohawk College. Serving as the MSA President, Elizabeth-Joy has been instrumental in creating accessibility change at the college so that students can continue to receive excellent support. She is a champion for a more accessible Mohawk College, and a passionate leader who advocates for accessibility, serving on the AODA Steering Committee as a student representative and ensuring that the student voice is always heard. Elizabeth-Joy promotes inclusion in all aspects of education through a positive and supportive lens and she understands how accessibility needs and accommodations support the learner. Using her training from the Social Service Worker program and her platform, she is passionate in helping others and contributing to positive action and change on campus for the student body. Congratulations on receiving the Accessibility Leadership Award!
Alumni Outstanding Student Leader Award
Zam Zam Bi
Zam Zam, is a strong communicator who takes pride in working collaboratively with others and brings an infectious enthusiasm to her work and to her staff team. She treats challenges and new experiences as opportunities to learn and grow, as demonstrated in her roles as a facilitator, campus tour guide and event speaker with the Alumni team. Outside of your work with the Alumni Office, Zam Zam actively seeks out opportunities to contribute to her Mohawk College community, providing feedback for the Mohawk Mountaineer logo rebrand initiative and being a subject in multiple Mohawk College promotional campaigns.
Applied Research Award of Excellence
Garrett Johnson
With outstanding initiative and passion for innovation and technology, Garrett achieves astonishing success in his projects. As a testament to his ability to work independently, Garrett successfully acquired funding, and designed, built, and installed a closed-loop Waste and Water Systems for Plenty Canada all on his own with little direction. Not stopping there, in what may be an IDEAWORKS first for an applied research project, Garrett found his own industry partner and created his own research workplan, which IDEAWORKS was able to transform into a full-fledged project and hire him on as the lead (and only) research assistant. Through countless work hours, Garrett has demonstrated an impressive work ethic which has resulted in multiple successes and a true appreciation and admiration from the staff and partners that he works with.
Campus Health & Wellness Award
Kristina Volenter
Kristina is wholeheartedly committed to creating a safe space to support students’ mental health at Mohawk College. With sincerity, she makes others feel welcomed, connecting with them through shared experiences and interests. As a facilitator of the Thriving in Action program with the Health & Wellness Centre, Kristina breaks down complex ideas and communicates them in relevant and interesting ways, using examples from her own life as a student, for others to easily understand. Her strong critical thinking skills and love of learning, coupled with her curiosity and collaboration skills, make Kristina an invaluable member of her Campus Health & Wellness team and she is so appreciated by them and the students she serves. Congratulations on receiving the Campus Health & Wellness Award!
Co-Curricular Volunteer Award
Kady Leon
Kady has a beautiful passion for learning and lives with such compassion that will make her an excellent nurse once she has completed her studies in the Nursing program. Having acted as a class representative within her program every semester, she has made incredible contributions to the Mohawk College community, working with her peers to resolve student issues, encouraging academic participation, and providing resources to support student success. Not only that she has also selflessly offered her time to peer mentoring a first-year student to support them in their successful transition to college life. Through Kady’s involvement with the St. Lucia Toronto Creole Committee, she dedicates her time to share and promote St. Lucian culture and give back to her community through art, music, dance, and food.
Commitment to Education Award
Cesia Morales
Cesia has an impressive desire for learning and takes every opportunity to discover more pathways to education and personal growth. Cesia demonstrates impressive adaptability and resilience when presented with challenges and maintains consistency in their learning, which only further demonstrates Cesia’s commitment to excellence and education. With strong communication skills and professionalism, Cesia is thoughtful in articulating their progress and in requesting supports when needed to ensure their academic success. Cesia is an engaged collaborator with strong teamwork skills, showing kindness and grace in all contributions with their peers.
Co-Operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Award
Justin May Tinio
Justin is an exceptional student leader at Mohawk College with a deep commitment to her academic success and to her campus community. With first-hand experience as an international student and understanding the challenges of English being a second language, Justin has immersed herself in many college and campus experiences to hone her communication skills which aided in successfully acquiring a co-op work term at Taylor Leibow LLP Accountants and Advisors. Justin consistently develops positive relationships in her academic and professional life, and is a strong collaborator who is excellent at sharing ideas, offering feedback, and working with others to find solutions to existing work problems. A second-time Celebration of Learning award recipient, Justin has time and time again proven her commitment to being an upstanding student at Mohawk College and a member of her surrounding community. With a vast array of campus volunteer initiatives, her role as a Campus Ambassador with Student Life, and her continuous volunteer involvement with Essential Aid and Family Services Ontario Inc., she truly is a role model to others and an example of determination and hard work.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Impact Award
Prashant Paitkay
Prashant is an extraordinary student with an immense dedication to creating inclusive spaces for his peers and his community. From the moment he arrived on campus Prashant displayed a zeal for connecting students with support services available through the college and he, through his peer mentoring, shares his experiences to help others see positive outcomes in their situation. As a member of the Black & Racialized Student Success Centre Student Council, Prashant is instrumental in organizing and hosting sessions for Black and Racialized students to discuss student challenges and promote change on campus. His commitment to addressing barriers faced by Black and Racialized students is a testament to his leadership skills and understanding of equity and inclusion.
Indigenous Leadership Award
Breanne Froman
Breanne is truly an inspirational student leader who has a remarkable outlook on the impact one can make within their community. Overcoming extreme adversity, Breanne has made great strides to achieve academic success and to embody qualities of leadership. Breanne’s experiences have shaped her into a role model for others, with her incredible work ethic, determination to exceed expectations and reach her goals, and her strong ambition for excellence. Breanne’s involvement with the Hamilton Regional Indian Friendship Centre and with Mohawk College’s Indigenous Student Services gives her the opportunity to connect with and inspire other Indigenous students to follow their own paths to success. Let us all live by the quote that Breanne so graciously follows, “Each one, teach one, until all are taught” (Mark Victor Hansen).
Learning Support Center Leadership Award
Katelyn Jozsa
Katelyn has proven to be such a valuable resource to her peers during her time at Mohawk College. As a Peer Tutor within the Nursing program, Katelyn selflessly makes time to support her classmates, assisting them with course material to help them achieve their own academic success. With her effective communication skills and strong sense of empathy, she is always aware of others feelings when they are being challenged and adapts her guidance to the learning needs of those she assists. Katelyn is an excellent support to her peers and outstanding role model within her program.
MoSpirit Award
Bhanu Shree
Bhanu is a passionate student leader who is always excited about enhancing the student experience for his peers. Bhanu’s love to help others, whether they are new students to the college, his classmates, or his colleagues, is beautiful to witness and has made meaningful impact across the college. Bhanu is a true student ambassador, working as a Street Team member with the MSA, a Campus Ambassador with Student Life, a Peer Tutor with the Learning Support Centre, and volunteer of many campus events. The level of dedication, care and effort Bhanu puts into all that he does at Mohawk College is truly tangible. His energy and optimism are infectious, and his ideas are with true intention in supporting the student body. Bhanu is a ball of creativity, positivity, and fun, who embodies the MoSpirit we hope that students will develop during their time at Mohawk College. Bhanu has undoubtedly made a positive impact on all of the students, staff, and faculty that he interacts with.
Outstanding MSA Student Leader Award
Maria (Paula) Cuadros-Puentes
Paula’s commitment to enhancing student services and creating impactful programs is truly commendable. Through Paula’s leadership, the entire landscape of services offered through the MSA has evolved, catering more effectively to the diverse needs of our student community. Paula’s proactive approach is powerful, actively utilizing students’ feedback to craft programs and services that directly address the concerns and desires of her peers. A role model to others, she inspires and guides her team, fostering an environment of growth, dedication and teamwork. Paula’s genuine care and unwavering commitment to uplift those around her and empower others to do the same is truly commendable and appreciated by all of the students and staff that she has worked with.
Outstanding Recreation Participant Award
Vastav Dham
Vastav’s passion for recreation and sport is evident to all that know him and with it, he inspires others to get involved. As a valuable member of the Athletics and Recreation team, and a participant of multiple intramural sports at Mohawk College, Vastav has tangibly increased student interest and participation in the DBARC and in recreational activities and sport. He has made great strides to independently run the intramural cricket league with and for his peers, making thoughtful suggestions to improve the experience for all participants. Vastav’s kindness towards others is infectious, and he consistently creates an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all those around him.
Outstanding Varsity Athlete Award
Cassandra Campanella
Cassandra epitomizes what a Mountaineer student athlete should be on the field, in the classroom, and in the Mohawk College community. As a senior athlete on the women’s soccer leadership team, a high achieving student, and a contributor to your community, Cassandra has proven her amazing dedication, resiliency, discipline, and collaboration skills in all that she does. As a leader to her teammates, Cassandra is a source of invaluable support, promoting teamwork and inspiring others to bring their best. In the classroom, she takes pride in forming meaningful relationships with her peers and faculty, modeling excellent study skills, and supporting her classmates whenever needed. In the community, she makes significant contributions to programming for individuals with severe social anxiety disorders. In addition to being the recipient of this award, Cassandra is recognized as one of the OCAA Women’s Soccer West Division First-Team All-Stars, and is a recipient of the prestigious CCAA Academic All-Canadian awards this coming Spring.
Residence Citizenship Award
Mohammed Alsodani
Mohammed is a friendly, enthusiastic, and highly engaged student leader within the Residence Community and at Mohawk College. Mohammed is an extremely kind and generous person, dedicating his time to helping other students. No gesture is too small when it comes to his compassion for others -holding a door open, checking in with his peers, encouraging others to join events, and so much more, and always while maintaining a positive attitude. A well-known student leader on campus, Mohammed happily supports events and initiatives within the MSA, International Student Services, and Student Life, promoting an inclusive community for everyone that you engage with.
Student & Graduate Employment Award
Maria Alejandra Madrid Lopez
Maria is an exemplary student and member of the Mohawk College community. Praised for her innovative event planning, problem-solving skills, and exceptional leadership, Maria has significantly contributed to the Student and Graduate Employment team’s success. Her genuine passion for helping others and her collaborative nature has cultivated a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere within the team and with all students she connects with. Maria is always willing to take on challenges without hesitation, showcasing her exceptional communication skills and technical aptitude. Her remarkable contributions to the Student and Graduate Employment team have earned the respect and admiration of all who have the pleasure of working alongside her.
Sustainability Award
Samantha Russo
Samantha is a passionate advocate for sustainability education at Mohawk College, deserving recognition for her incredible efforts in promoting eco-friendly behaviours among students. Beginning with her volunteer work during the Fall Clean Up in semester one, Samantha’s commitment to sustainability blossomed as she joined the Green Team in semester two, eventually becoming the Junior Coordinator. Her appreciation for waste diversion and environmental awareness has led her to organize successful campus clean-up events, developing student resource guides, and engaging in outreach activities, impacting hundreds of students. Samantha’s personal commitment to sustainability, including adopting a vegetarian diet and supporting local farms, reflects her genuine dedication to the cause. With her valuable experience and strong interpersonal skills, Samantha is bound to make significant contributions to sustainability efforts beyond your academic career.