DESIRÉE DECOSTE
STAFF WRITER
Prince Edward Learning Centre (PELC) has recognized a number of successful students with PELC Awards at their recent AGM
Every year since 2014, these awards have been presented to learners who show dedication to learning, kindness to other learners, interest and involvement in the community, resilience in their learning journey, personal growth and completion of a significant learning goal.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 AGM was a short and sweet affair and awards were not handed out.
In total, 10 adult learners were recognized at June’s AGM with over $5,000 handed out in awards for work completed over the past two years.
“For all who attended the AGM on Zoom it was, of course the highlight of the meeting,” said Interim PELC Executive Director Maureen Adams said.
Award winners for 2019 and 2020 inculded Afshan Mehmood, Maryam Mehmood, Bradley O’Neil, Scott Whitelock, Sam Dorey, Karen Marquardt, Jeremy Johnson, Heather McCorquodale, Shokhsanam Jones and Jewelle Edwards.
The recipients represent a rich diversity of student goals, successes, and PELC programs. Each award recipient received a personalized plaque with their name also inscribed on a large plaque that hangs in the centre
“Many of our students did not excel in a traditional school environment for a multitude of reasons,” PELC staffer Lori Farrington explained. “For someone who struggled in school but overcame a lot to graduate or learn a new skill or do something significant, recognizing their achievements is so important. We are so proud of each and every one of them.”
The award also comes with a $500 cheque to be used to continue to work towards new goals.
“This is different for every student”, said Farrington. “Some will go on to post-secondary, but that isn’t everyone’s goal. Our hope is that whatever they use it for will allow them some freedom on their next learning journey.”
“Being at the Learning Centre has helped me with math, spelling, and writing and I can really see a difference in those areas,” Recipient Scott Whitelock said. “Receiving this award made me feel really great about myself because it meant that the staff at PELC saw my achievements and were proud of me. Working at PEC Fresh has impacted my life drastically because it has allowed me a chance to learn management and leadership skills.”
For more information on PELC and/or to donate please visit http://www.princeedwardlearningcentre.com