Assiniboine announces One to Watch Award winners

Assiniboine Community College has announced its 2021 One to Watch award recipients. The annual One to Watch awards recognize students for their academic achievements, leadership, contributions to student life, and community involvement.

“We are pleased to recognize these graduates who have excelled during their time at Assiniboine,” said Dr. Deanna Rexe, Vice President Academic at Assiniboine. “These award recipients have shown diligence and commitment, achieving high standards across both academic and extra-curricular activities.”

After a unique year of study, Arriane Flor Morales, a Practical Nursing graduate, is happy to cap the year off with this recognition.

"I am very honoured to receive the One to Watch award. I have faced several challenges on my way here, but each one of them has only strengthened me and made me the person I am today; someone who sets her eyes on a goal and never gives up on any hurdles, until it is achieved,” she said.

Receiving this award is not possible without the inspiration and guidance from my instructors and fellow classmates whom I have the deepest respect for, and from whom I have derived my strength to pursue nursing school, especially in this time of pandemic. Most of all, I would like to thank the creator of this award, for making it possible to recognize the hard work and dedication of student leaders.

One to Watch awards are presented to students in each of Assiniboine’s programs who have performed exceedingly well. In total, 54 Assiniboine students received awards for this academic year. Recipients were selected based on a set of criteria including academic merit, leadership, contributions to student life, community involvement and volunteerism.

For Kristen Paul, a Mature Student High School graduate, the award was a pleasant surprise, after completing her studies.

"My heart has been warmed from all the positive support and encouragement I have received from my instructors and my student advisor during my time at Assiniboine,” said Paul. “Knowing that someone took the time and effort to put my name forward for this award brings tears of joy to my eyes.”

Each academic school within the college selects a recipient for each program in each location, so those who know the students and the program content best are involved in choosing the deserving recipients.

“I am so thankful for all my instructors who constantly encouraged me to stay motivated. It had been a while since I was in a classroom setting and they all made me feel welcomed and at home within the college,” said Kaylah Pascoe Foy, a Business Administration (Human Resource Management) graduate.

I challenged myself over the last two years, and really stepped out of my comfort zone. It is rewarding to be selected to receive this award for all my hard work.

In prior years, One to Watch awards have been presented in-person at the Student Achievement Celebration dinner. However, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year's event was cancelled.