Three commercials, produced and directed by third-year students of the College’s Broadcasting: Radio, TV & Film program to promote the College are being broadcast on CHCH TV after their screenings Cineplex Odeon in Niagara Falls.

“There is no better way for students to learn than to take on a real-world project that must satisfy the demands of a real-world client,” said Andrew Stevenson, professor for Broadcasting: Radio, TV & Film. “This year’s student directors and producers really delivered, creating dynamic and creative television commercials that compare favorably to any professionally-produced work.”

Student commercials that were chosen to be aired include:
• Way Better than a Classroom produced by Mitchell Barnes and directed by James Yates;
• Applied Dreams produced by Zachary Bardoel and directed by Eric Kotarski; and
• I am NC produced by Paul Schaefer and directed by Miranda Ciolfi.

Twenty-four-year-old Buffalo, New York resident Eric Kotarski enjoyed the experience of creating the commercial. “I’ve had three of the greatest years of my life studying here at Niagara College, so I’m incredibly happy to be able to give back to the institution,” he said. “It really is a tremendous honour.”

He believes his commercial not only showcases the renovated campus, but the diversity of the school. “I got to meet many wonderful people, and found out that this school is truly the place for any person, of any ethnicity, of any faith, no matter who you are,” he said. “Like the commercial says, ‘With the right amount of determination, you can achieve anything.’”

Paul Schaefer, 21-year-old Guelph resident, said the experience added value to his education. “I felt it was a great experience working for the College,” he said. “I felt it beneficial to have a real-world client as opposed to just producing an independent film.”

Mitchell Barnes, Lowbanks resident, enjoyed the process. “It was a lot of hard work and at the same time a lot of fun,” he said. “Absolutely it added value to my educational experience here at NC.”

Twenty-one-year-old Welland resident Miranda Ciolfi enjoyed the thrill of seeing her work during the Cineplex Odeon screening. “I kind of felt like a mini celebrity in my own town. Not many of my friends can say they’ve had anything they’ve done in theaters, but I can,” she said. “If I so happen to be watching TV and it comes on one day, I’m probably going to be one of those nerdy, first-time artists who will call someone (probably my mom) and tell her I saw it or to turn to the channel.”

The commercials will be aired on CHCH TV until June 17, 2012. They may also be viewed on YouTube.
Applied Dreams: http://youtu.be/IUuLKmUJ-m8

I am NC: http://youtu.be/1sTBkbb4ZOE\

Way Better Than a Classroom: http://youtu.be/MUEAu3wcypY

Niagara College offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs at campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Niagara Falls; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Continuing Education courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit NiagaraCollege.ca.

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For more information contact:

Gordon Hunchak
Director, Marketing & Communications
Niagara College
905-735-2211, ext. 7567
905-650-7820 (cell)
ghunchak@niagaracollege.ca

The five-year, $1-million Industrial Research Chair grant will be put toward developing new technologies in precision agriculture and pursuing commercialization opportunities with several industries including fruit tree growers and viticulture.

“The Industrial Research Chair grant recognizes the important applied research taking place at Niagara College that supports key local industries by helping them innovate and bring products to market,” said Steve Hudson, acting president of Niagara College. “Our College’s Precision Agriculture and Environmental Technologies (PrAgMatic) project uses technology to improve efficiency and sustainability in agriculture, which is a vital industry in the Niagara Region and beyond.”

The funding has established an Industrial Research Chair in Precision Agriculture and Environmental Technologies position at the College, which will be filled by Mike Duncan, chair of Visualization Sciences and leader of the College’s award-winning PrAgMatic project. The project helps farmers increase crop yields while reducing dependence on fertilizers and water, reducing their environmental impact.

With the new funding, Duncan will develop new technologies in precision agriculture, including the PrAgMatic system; commercialize techniques to bring them to farmers; and build new e-learning tools for farmers. The project will also be deployed to introduce hazelnut tree farming to Ontario, which has a potential for much higher revenue, as well as to develop a cold-hardy grape bud for the wine industry.

The College is working with several project partners including Hillebrand Winery, EarthGen International Ltd., IBM Canada Ltd., AgInfoSys Inc., Yellow Gold Farms Ltd., Village Harvest, and Coyotes Run Estate Winery.

NC’s research funding was part of a larger announcement on May 8 by the Government of Canada to support the development of longer-term, business-focused applied research programs at colleges.

The Industrial Research Chair for Colleges grant is available through the College and Community Innovation program, managed by NSERC in collaboration with the Canadian Institute of Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Projects are awarded funding through a rigorous peer review process that includes an assessment by the CCI program review committee. Thirty five colleges and cégeps in this round will receive about $37 million in total for up to five years.

“These investments provide colleges with access to the people, resources and tools they need to be at the forefront of innovation,” said Suzanne Fortier, President of NSERC. “The ultimate goal is to create sustainable partnerships that will help sharpen our innovative edge and have a positive impact on the bottom line of our country and industry.”

Niagara Research, Niagara College’s Research and Innovation Division, works closely with business, industry and community partners to identify challenges that are in need of real-time solutions. Through applied research projects, skilled student and faculty teams help local businesses and community organizations become more innovative, overcome challenges, and develop, test or simulate new products or processes. Working on real-world applied research projects provides students with the opportunity to bring the skills and knowledge they have learned in the classroom to a new level, presenting fresh and innovative ideas to industry partners. To learn more about partnership opportunities with Niagara Research, contact 905-641-2252 ext. 4151, research@niagaracollege.ca or visit NiagaraCollege.ca/Research.

Niagara College offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs at campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Niagara Falls; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Continuing Education courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit NiagaraCollege.ca.

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For more information contact:

Gordon Hunchak
Director, Marketing & Communications
Niagara College
905-735-2211, ext. 7567
905-650-7820 (cell)
ghunchak@niagaracollege.ca

Students from Niagara College earned their time in the spotlight at the Ontario Technological Skilled Trades Competition.

The event drew 1,900 competitors to participate in the event, held April 30-May 1 at RIM Park in Waterloo. The largest skilled trades competition in the country, the event features competitions for elementary, secondary and post-secondary students.

Three NC students took home gold medals. Brittany Calsavara, Bake II Apprentice student, won the Baking competition; Donguk Sul, second-year student in the College’s Culinary Management Co-op diploma program, won the Culinary competition; and Cassandra Botelho, second-year Hairstyling Apprenticeship student, won gold in Hairstyling.

Two NC students won silver medals including one in Baking by Desiree Shreuders, Bake II Apprentice student; and one in Hairstyling by Nancy Nguyen, second-year Hairstyling Techniques student.

Scott McInerney, first-year student from the College’s Culinary Management Co-Op program, won bronze in the Culinary competition. Eric Lupton, who just completed his second year of the Motive Power Technician (Co-op) Apprenticeship program, won Bronze for the Automotive Skills Competition.

Acting president Steve Hudson applauded the students’ efforts as well as the faculty members who helped them succeed.

“These students and apprentices are the highly skilled tradespeople of tomorrow,” he said. “They will drive our key industries and help meet the growing demand for skilled labour in Niagara and beyond.”

The winners qualify to compete in the Skills Canada National competition in Edmonton May 13-16.

The Canadian Food and Wine Institute, located on Niagara College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake campus, is the college’s centre for food wine and beer education. It is home to Benchmark, the college’s teaching restaurant, as well as the Teaching Winery and Teaching Brewery.

Niagara College offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs at campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Niagara Falls; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Continuing Education courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit NiagaraCollege.ca.

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For more information contact:

Gordon Hunchak
Director, Marketing & Communications
Niagara College
905-735-2211, ext. 7567
905-650-7820 (cell)
ghunchak@niagaracollege.ca

Pictured left to right: NC second-year Paramedic students Aaron Donst, Emma Santon, David Plyley and Ian Klingenberg ranked among the best in the country at the National Paramedic Competition.

Pulses were racing and hearts skipped a beat as Niagara College’s Paramedic students proved they were among Canada’s best at the National Paramedic Competition.

Held at Durham College’s Whitby campus on April 21, the competition drew teams from across the country to compete in one of three divisions: Advanced Care Paramedic, Primary Care Paramedic and Primary Care Student. In the student competition, Niagara College’s two teams – each consisting of two students – faced challengers from Durham, Loyalist, Centennial, Fleming, Algonquin, and Humber colleges.

While combined average scores from NC’s teams ranked them first overall in the student category, students Emma Stanton and Erin Donst placed second, and David Plyley and Ian Klingenberg (all second-year students at the college) placed third.

“I’m very proud of the students who have been working for months to prepare for this competition and their success is a testament to the quality of training they receive at NC that will help save lives,” said professor Rick Chandler who accompanied the students to the event. “It’s so meaningful to students and the college, and it will be a real boost to their employment opportunities since they will all be graduating in June.”

NC graduates also fared well at the event. Chris Guay (graduate of the PCP program) placed third in the PCP division and Brock Browett and Shane Eikmann, (previous graduates of the PCP and ACP program) placed second in the ACP division.

Chandler noted that NC students have consistently done well in the annual competition, which has been running since 2003. He also acknowledged the support and encouragement NC students received from Niagara EMS.

“Without them, we would not be anywhere as successful as we are,” he said.

Niagara College offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs at campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Niagara Falls. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit NiagaraCollege.ca.

For more information contact:

Gordon Hunchak
Director, Marketing & Communications
Niagara College
905-735-2211, ext. 7567
905-650-7820 (cell)
ghunchak@niagaracollege.ca

As part of the agreement between the two colleges, Niagara College has committed to sharing its expertise and knowledge with the Alberta-based college to deliver the Brewmaster program at its Olds campus. A project team from NC is collaborating with Olds College on the development of its Teaching Brewery, which will be housed within an on-campus hotel and conference centre currently under construction. Olds College will also use similar infrastructure and brewing equipment as can be found at Niagara College’s hugely successful Teaching Brewery. The new Teaching Brewery is expected to be ready to accept students for September 2013 enrolment.

Dr. Steve Hudson, Acting President of Niagara College, said the expansion of its two-year Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program to Olds College is a testament to the Brewmaster program’s success.

“When we created our Canadian Food and Wine Institute, our objective was to create a Canadian presence focused on food, wine and beer, and academic programming that can serve as a model for applied education,” he said. “We are delighted that Olds College approached us to establish this collaborative relationship.

“The program has elements of agriculture, business and hospitality. It is an exceptional program, and will only grow stronger drawing on Olds’ strong agricultural background and Niagara’s strengths in hospitality.”

Jon Ogryzlo, dean of Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute, noted that the partnership will open the door to new opportunities for Brewmaster students.
“This is an exciting day for the CFWI as our east-west partnership will not only bring our program to students in Alberta but will make it possible for NC students to take a portion of their studies at Olds College – and vice versa,” he said. “Our partnership with Olds College will also help bridge the craft brewing industry across the country as we work with brewers from Western Canada.”

NC’s Teaching Brewery opened to much fanfare in April 2011 has hundreds of applicants on its waiting list each year for its popular Brewmaster program. It has already gained national and international recognition, with three medals from the 2011 United States Open Beer Championships and the debut of its distinctly Canadian beer Great Weiss North – created in collaboration with Sawdust City Brewing and Taps Magazine – at the Canadian National Exhibition last summer. NC Brewmaster students have created more than 70 varieties of beer, available at the on-campus retail beer store, while their signature First Draft brand is also available at select establishments throughout Ontario. NC’s first class of about 20 Brewmaster students will graduate in June 2012.

The Canadian Food and Wine Institute, located on Niagara College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake campus, is the college’s centre for food wine and beer education. It is home to Benchmark, the college’s teaching restaurant, as well as the Teaching Winery and Teaching Brewery.

Niagara College offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs at campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Niagara Falls. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit NiagaraCollege.ca.

Link to media release from Olds College:

http://oldscollege.ca/wpnews/
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For more information contact:

Gordon Hunchak
Director, Marketing & Communications
Niagara College
905-735-2211, ext. 7567
905-650-7820 (cell)
ghunchak@niagaracollege.ca

Don Reimer
Olds College Corporate Communications
(403) 507-7710
(403) 559-6619
DReimer@oldscollege.ca

The Key Performance Indicator Student Satisfaction Survey shows that 85.7 percent of Niagara College students are satisfied with their experience at Niagara College – a 2.6 percent jump over last year’s result, and more than 2 percent higher than the provincial average of 83 percent.

“Our faculty and staff dedicate themselves to our students’ success, and we’ve made tremendous investments in our facilities, equipment and learning resources over the past few years,” said Acting President Steve Hudson. “We’re very pleased that our hard work is reflected in this year’s results.”

On the employment side, the results show that 85.4 percent of Niagara College graduates were employed within six months of graduation, and 93.7 percent of the employers were satisfied with the NC grad that they hired. More than 77 percent of Niagara College graduates said they were satisfied with their Niagara College education.

“What this shows is the value of a college education in today’s rapidly changing economy,” said Hudson. “College graduates are getting jobs, and they’re showing themselves to be well prepared and ready to hit the ground running.”

The KPI survey is administered at all 24 Ontario colleges each year by an independent research firm for the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU).

The student satisfaction portion of the survey measures satisfaction in four key areas of college life. Niagara College’s results show:

• 91.1 percent of students said they are satisfied that their program is providing the knowledge and skills that will be useful in their future careers (up 1 percent over 2010-11);
• 86.6 percent said they are satisfied with the overall quality of the learning experiences in their program (up 1.5 percent over 2010-11)
• 83.6 percent said they are satisfied with the quality of the facilities and resources at the College (up 3.4 percent over 2010-11);
• 81.7 percent said they are satisfied with the overall quality of the services in the College (up 2.1 percent over 2010-11).

The results also show an overall graduation rate of 65.7, which is an increase over last year’s graduation rate of 64.2 percent, and ahead of the provincial average of 65 percent.

Niagara College offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs at campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information, visit www.NiagaraCollege.ca.

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For information, contact:
Gord Hunchak
Acting Vice President, Student and External Relations
905 735-2211 ext. 7567
905 650-7820 (cell)
ghunchak@niagaracollege.ca

Michael Wales
Senior Communications Officer
Marketing & Communications
Niagara College
905.735.2211 ext. 7773
mwales@niagaracollege.ca
www.niagaracollege.ca

The KPI survey is administered at all 24 Ontario colleges each year by an independent research firm for the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). The student satisfaction portion of the survey measures satisfaction in key areas of college life. The survey has shown Niagara College to be a leader in Student Satisfaction, with NC receiving the highest overall ranking in six of the last seven years.

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus announcement takes place at 9:30 a.m. in the lower-level cafeteria foyer, and the Welland announcement takes place at 11:30 a.m. in the Learning Commons.

WHO
Niagara College students and staff

WHAT
Announcement of Niagara College’s results from the 2011-2012 Key Performance Indicator Student Satisfaction Survey

WHEN
Wednesday, April 18

WHERE
Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus lower level cafeteria foyer at 9:30 a.m.
Welland Campus Learning Commons at 11:30 a.m.

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For information, contact:
Gord Hunchak
Acting Vice President, Student and External Relations
905 735-2211 ext. 7567
905 650-7820 (cell)
ghunchak@niagaracollege.ca

Launched in 2008, the campaign has raised $17.7-million for new facilities, equipment and learning resources, and scholarships and bursaries. With matching funds from the provincial government’s former Ontario Trust for Student Support program, the campaign’s total impact on student learning and success is $21-million.

Niagara College students pledged $10 million to the campaign – a commitment that will be shared by thousands of students over 15 years. The student pledge supported the construction of the Athletics Centre and Student Centre at the Welland Campus.

The Building Futures campaign received outstanding support from Niagara College staff, who contributed $270,000 to the campaign – almost tripling the campaign’s goal of $100,000 in staff contributions.

“We’re overwhelmed by the outstanding support we’ve received from our students, staff and faculty, and community donors,” said Acting President Steve Hudson. “The money raised through the Building Futures Campaign not only supports the largest capital expansion in our College’s history, but will also contribute to the ongoing success of our students, through scholarships and bursaries, and the purchase of learning equipment and learning resources.”

The facilities portion of the Building Futures Campaign supported the construction of six new buildings at the Welland Campus, as well as the construction of the Wine Visitor + Education Centre (opened in 2009), the Niagara College Teaching Brewery (opened in spring 2011) and expanded culinary facilities (opened in fall 2011) at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus.

At Welland, the master plan project included the construction of an Athletic Centre, Student Centre, Learning Commons, Academic Wing, Applied Health Institute and an expansion of the Rankin Technology Centre, all of which were opened in spring 2011. Including the student pledge, the Building Futures Campaign raised $13.2 million for the construction portion of the master plan.

The campus redevelopment was designed to increase capacity in programs that serve key industries in Niagara, healthcare, skilled trades, technology, winery and viticulture and hospitality and tourism, while providing much-needed improvements to aging facilities.
The remaining $4.5-million is funding the purchase of new equipment and learning resources ($1.2-million) and scholarships and bursaries ($3.3-million).

“Those who supported the Building Futures Campaign have invested in Niagara College, our students and the future prosperity of the Niagara region,” said Sean Kennedy, CEO of the Niagara College Foundation and NC’s Acting Vice President Academic. “The new buildings and equipment enhance our ability to produce the highly-skilled workers who drive our economy. The scholarship and bursary portion of the campaign will provide educational opportunities to students who may otherwise be unable to pursue and achieve their goals.”

The Building Futures Campaign was led by Co-Chairs Anna Olson, a celebrated chef, author and television host, and Mark Basciano, owner and president of the Mountainview Group of Companies – the largest homebuilder in Niagara. The campaign drew support from students, staff, and the broader community, including individuals, businesses and organizations.

Niagara College offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs at campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information, visit www.NiagaraCollege.ca.

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For information, contact:

Gord Hunchak
Acting Vice President, Student and External Relations
905 735-2211 ext. 7567
905 650-7820 (cell)
ghunchak@niagaracollege.ca

Fallsview Casino Resort’s corporate gift is an investment in the expansion of Niagara College’s culinary facilities, specifically a new food lab that supports the teaching of large-scale, high-volume cooking styles. The expansion was part of Niagara College’s recent $90-million master plan project, which included new and expanded facilities at both of Niagara College’s main campuses.

“The hospitality, culinary and tourism industries play a key role in our organization and the entire Niagara Region,” said Art Frank, President of Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara. “The College and our organization share a commitment to excellence, so we are proud to support the expansion of Niagara College’s Culinary Skills training area, which will foster the growth of future culinary talent in the region.”

“Niagara College is very grateful for the ongoing support we receive from Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara’s Corporate Giving Program,” said Sean Kennedy, CEO of the Niagara College Foundation and Niagara College’s Acting Vice President Academic. “The Casinos’ generosity has helped us build a learning environment that enhances our ability to develop the top hospitality and culinary talent that drives Niagara’s world-renowned tourism industry.”

The culinary expansion at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus includes a new lab outfitted with three state-of-the-art teaching islands and equipment, including large steam kettles, grills, combination ovens and artisan deck ovens. It includes a full-scale pastry area as well as a walk-in blast chiller and proofer along with specialty equipment such as pasta machines, vacuum-pack machines and dehydrators.

“This is an important addition that supports the programs in our Canadian Food and Wine Institute,” said Jon Ogryzlo, Dean of Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute. “It allows us to expand key elements of our culinary curriculum, including large-volume cooking, butchery, food technology and more.”

Fallsview Casino Resort and Niagara College have enjoyed a long and successful partnership that spans more than 10 years. During this time, Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara’s Corporate Giving Program has supported the College in a number of ways, including: major capital campaigns, scholarships and bursaries, co-op and work placements, the annual Seafood Gala, and representation on various advisory committees. The Casinos have benefited from the College through continuing education opportunities for its employees as well as access to highly skilled graduates. With a strong tradition of community partnerships, Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara’s Corporate Giving Program has contributed millions of dollars towards various community and non-profit organizations, improving the quality of life for residents in the Niagara Region and surrounding areas.

Niagara College’s $16.5-million Building Futures Campaign supports the $90-million Master Plan, which includes $88-million for buildings, equipment and learning resources, and $2-million for scholarships and bursaries and applied research.
With 9,000 students, Niagara College offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs at campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics.

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For information, contact:

Gord Hunchak
Acting Vice President, Student and External Relations
905 735-2211 ext. 7567
905 650-7820 (cell)
ghunchak@niagaracollege.ca

Jennifer Murphy
Communications Specialist
Fallsview Casino Resort
905 371 7538
jmurphy@fallsviewcasinoresort.com

Above: Asha Marie Green wins Legacy Council’s 1812 Mascot competition with her “Pack and Satch” design.

A mascot designed by Niagara College’s Art & Design Foundation has been selected as the winning mascot design for Passport Niagara: A Journey into the War of 1812.

The Niagara 1812 Legacy Council turned to Niagara College students to design the mascot, which will become the voice in a new curriculum tool for children in the region.  About 35 students in the program participated in the competition.

“The results were beyond our expectations,” said Katie Farr, Media and Communications for the 1812 Legacy Council. “It’s very rewarding to see all of these educational institutions come together for a project that educates people on the War of 1812 in Niagara. Not only does it complement our bicentennial map, but raises great awareness about the importance of Niagara’s role in the conflict that unfolded 200 years ago.”

On April 10, Asha Marie Green was announced as the winner at an unveiling event held at the college’s Welland Campus. Her mascot, “Pack and Satch” – a backpack dressed as a British soldier and First Nations satchel, respectively – will be used to educate 30,000 Niagara children from Grades 3 to 8 learning about  the War of 1812, in schools, museums and historic sites across the region. The initiative is part of the Passport Niagara program, created by the Historic Niagara Education Committee which is a collaborative partnership between all Niagara region school boards, the 1812 Legacy Council, the Welland Historical museum and local historic community partners.  

 “I can’t believe it. It was awesome to be chosen,” said the 21-year-old student. “I’m so thankful. To have an opportunity like this is a good start to my career.”

Janice Barretto-Mendonca, junior consultant Niagara Catholic District School Board and a member of the Historic Niagara Education Committee – which designed the Passport Niagara Program – noted that they were looking for a symbol to engage a broad range of students, have a multi-media application, and bridge the connection between the British and Canada’s First Nations’ People.

“We are confident that this mascot will bring history to life for the 30,000 students across the Niagara Region,” she said.

Annette Hemerik, coordinator of the Art & Design Foundation program, said the students took the project to heart, putting a lot of hard work into their designs.

“It was a challenging project for the students as the timing for the development and the design of the mascot was intense and deadline driven; however, the result has been received as extremely positive and a great experience for both the students and the Historic Niagara Education Committee,” she said.

While Green’s mascot was announced as the winner, several students were also commended for their efforts. Owen Kleiser received second place for his 1812 Beaver design, Dayna Kathryn Hambrook received third prize for her 1812 soldier, and Stephen Anthony Mallows received an Honourable Mention for his Brock with Horse mascot.

 “It’s a great opportunity for us to get the work of students out in front of the community, and pull the community around what’s going to be a common theme as we celebrate the War of 1812 and what it meant to creating Canada as a country,” said acting president Steve Hudson.