"While I have always loved garment construction and have wanted to study the subject through post-secondary education, receiving the Garfield Weston Award made me more confident and assured as I entered into college life. It made me feel that I could have a positive impact both in and out of the classroom, and gave me the tools and support I needed to strive for excellence.”

“My entire life changed when I received the phone call informing me that I had been awarded a Garfield Weston Award. I was completely shocked that a young student from a tiny little community that no one has ever heard of could ever receive such an honour. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would be given the opportunity to attend college and not have the burden of worrying about finances. On top of that, I have been given tools such as the leadership conference to enable me to further make a difference in my community. Over the last few years, I’ve been able to experience a lot of amazing things and do things I’ve never dreamed about doing, and it’s all thanks to The W. Garfield Weston Foundation.”

“As you can imagine, growing up and living in a rural town in Newfoundland, my educational avenues and options for my future have been somewhat limited…. Without the Weston Award I would not have been able to go into the field or to the university of my choice. I now attend the University of Waterloo, studying Chemical Engineering and hopefully will soon be working in the new and growing alternative energy sector. I want to make a difference at Waterloo, and around the world, to make The W. Garfield Weston Foundation proud of its investment in me. Thank you from the bottom of this Newfoundlander’s heart!”

“All of these experiences have been predicated on having the support and encouragement of the CMSF community. Without such an organization I know my experience would have been very different and I would not be able to be the person that I am today. As I turn my gaze to the future, I think there are some major lessons I take with me: work hard, be a contributing leader in your community, and stand by what you believe in. CMSF has given me the faith that if you stand by these values, anything is possible. .. For The W. Garfield Weston Foundation’s continued support of such an important organization, I am forever grateful. I cannot fully express my gratitude for the ways your support has changed my life and encouraged me to strive to be more.”

“The opportunity that the Foundation has granted me has inspired me to reach higher and to dream broader as I approach my studies and my future career as a goldsmith. Through this award, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation has propelled me in new directions of community service and has made me keenly aware of philanthropy as a powerful agent for change. Thank you again for selecting me to be part of the distinguished community of W. Garfield Weston scholars.”

Working for a summer in the office of her local parish church inspired Carole Savoie to pursue studies in accounting. The business management and accounting program at New Brunswick Community College – Dieppe Campus seemed to be a perfect fit.

Outside of school, Carole has served for several years as a member and then Vice President of the Acadian Society of New Brunswick, an organization that seeks to respond to the specific needs of the Acadian community and works to maintain the French language.

Carole has also been active in the community as an assistant coach for a Midget B hockey team with the added responsibility of raising funds to underwrite tournament costs. Her Garfield Weston Award mentor, a business lecturer at NBCC, has provided useful advice in this regard.

Simon Garant has always wanted to work in the world of television production. He decided that the media arts and technology program at Cégep de Jonquière would give him the requisite technical background.

His passion for visual arts led Simon to take part in many related endeavours during his college years. Notably, he coordinated the short film contest De l’âme à l’écran (From Soul to Screen) for three years and volunteered with the local REGARD sur le court métrage au Saguenay (Saguenay EYE on Short Film) festival.

Beyond the creative environment of film and television, Simon deals with more sobering realities. A phone counsellor for the Jonquière Domestic Support Centre, he strives to lift the spirits of isolated people in need of a friendly voice. “I learn about their personalities and interests,” says Simon, “and we talk about how they feel…cases of depression and lack of motivation are not unusual. It’s up to me to restore their morale and help them see the bright side of life.”

Given this background, Simon particularly appreciates the personal support and availability of the staff of the Garfield Weston Awards.

Music is more than a hobby for 2007 Upper Year Garfield Weston scholar Mikeal Abramoff. An aficionado of the viola and violin, he has explored many aspects of his chosen instruments. He has been playing and performing for many years, and last year he discovered violins from a new perspective: that of a maker.

Mikeal has brought the joy of music to others through community performances in nursing homes and hospitals and by giving lessons. “It is important to give back to people who are in less fortunate circumstances…I also feel I can be a positive influence to those I teach and work with in my volunteer activities.”

Besides music, Mikeal also has a passion for innovation in business. “I love looking for new possibilities and trying to develop them,” he says. To expand his skills in this area, he undertook a degree in business and entrepreneurship at Mount Royal College in Calgary. His aptitude for the field is evident in his outstanding grades: he was the top academic student in the program four years in a row. “I am extremely appreciative for the financial assistance I received from The W. Garfield Weston Foundation. The funds allowed me to focus and to maximize my learning.” Mikeal aims to put his business acumen to use by working for a venture capital or market research company.

Kevin Dunn (Upper-Year Garfield Weston Award 2006) never planned to return to school, but he has made the most of the unexpected change in his circumstances. Following mass layoffs at the mill where he worked, Kevin needed to obtain qualifications that would get him another job as soon as possible.

The transition to college as a mature student wasn’t easy, but Kevin was encouraged by the support—both personal and financial—received from the Garfield Weston Award. He recalls, “Receiving the award reinforced my decision to return to school as being the right choice.”

By embracing many aspects of campus life, Kevin made college into much more than the pursuit of a credential. He was part of Global Friends, a support group for international students, and devoted time to tutoring his peers in math and physics. As coach, he led the varsity hockey team to the Atlantic college championship. Outside of school, he mentored a young boy as a Big Brother for nine years.

Kevin’s mission to get back into the workforce was successful, and he is now an industrial control technician for NB Power in his hometown. He is also eager to continue his pursuit of volunteer activities. “Receiving the scholarship has instilled in me a commitment to continue to give back to my community and those in need,” he remarks. “The opportunities to give are endless.”

A pilot with Wasaya Airways, an airline serving northern First Nation reserves, Emily Crombez (Entrance Garfield Weston Award 2004) credits her award with helping achieve a vital breakthrough in her career. Emily now holds an aviation flight management diploma from Confederation College in Thunder Bay.

During her studies, the support from the Garfield Weston Awards gave Emily options beyond working to finance her education. “It allowed me to participate in more volunteer-based opportunities,” she says. “It encouraged me to remain community-minded.” Specifically, through various sports- and nutrition-related commitments, Emily has contributed to the health of those around her. During summer, she coached girls’ fastball. She was a team leader for her college’s intramural program and a member of the food service committee. She also organized a number of food and toy drives in her local area.

From a young age, Brooks Thoring (Upper-Year Garfield Weston Award 2007) has been fascinated by machines and sought to understand how and why they work. It was natural for him to develop his mechanical knowledge at the post-secondary level.

After completing his degree at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology in mechanical engineering technology, Brooks took on a summer job with an agricultural machinery manufacturing company in Frontier, Saskatchewan. This led to a full-time position as a project engineer at the same firm. Heavily involved in research and development, Brooks’ mechanical curiosity is thoroughly satisfied.

As a student in the applied communications program at Calgary’s Mount Royal College, Alla Guelber (Upper-Year Garfield Weston Award 2006) was very involved on campus.

Her most lasting contribution to the college stemmed from her association with the Sierra Youth Coalition Executive Committee. After attending national conferences and strategic planning retreats, she was inspired to raise environmental awareness at her school. “I co-founded Sustainable MRC,” explains Alla, “a student club focused on starting a campus sustainability program that would jump start a culture shift toward greater ecological integrity and social awareness.”

Determined to keep Sustainable MRC moving forward once she graduated, Alla prepared a strategic communications plan to guide the group. She is gratified by the results: students and staff alike have embraced the initiative, which continues to be highly active.