Adult Basic Education Association of B.C. 2007 Bursary Winners

Bursary Recipient's Name: Cindy Chen

Nominated by: Wayne Matthews and Gemma Cuizon, Camosun College

Reason for selection: Cindy started taking ESL classes at Camosun in 2000. In 2001 she progressed to advanced level English Upgrading. She took 6 courses in English Upgrading as well as first year college-level English with very good marks. In 2004 she started upgrading her Math, starting at the intermediate level. She progressed through all School of Access upgrading Math with excellent marks.

Cindy is a model student, very helpful in the classroom with other students. She also spends hours in the Math Help Centre to study and fully understand the concepts in Math. She has never changed her study habits whether she is taking a self-paced course or a lecture format course. With these qualities, she was able to excel in all of her courses.

Cindy has now completed her provincial level English, and this term she completed he last second half of provincial level Math. I admire the hard work she exhibits in all of her classes.

Bursary Recipient's Name: Margaret Briere

Nominated by: Adam Barker and Wendy McDonald, Camosun College

Reason for Selection: Margo Briere has accomplished both personal and academic success as a student within the College Prepatory Program of Camosun College. She is a dedicated student who displays an enthusiasm for learning through her encouragement of fellow students. During the program terms, Margo was wiling to provide her classmates one on one assistance and was willing to create group work both in and outside of class time. Her willingness to accept and learn from comments and constructive criticism has allowed her to excel within the program. These qualities have helped Margo improve dramatically in all of her subjects, particularly English.

Outside of the classroom, Margo continued to work within the urban Native and non-Native community as street youth worker. She participated in and promoted local a forum theatre presentation to address the issue of crystal meth within Victoria's youth. She continued to pursue her personal journey which includes grappling with her identity as a Native woman within an urban, colonial society. Margo's passion inspires everyone around her.

Bursary Recipient's Name: Megan Perkins

Nominated by: Jason Colombo, Financial Assistance and Awards, College of the Rockies

Reason for Selection: Her education goal is to complete a Bachelor of Science and continue to graduate studies. Career goal is to work in the medical field.

Bursary Recipient's Name: Parminder Brar

Nominated by: Lynne Peterson, Delta School District Continuing Education

Reason for Selection: Parm was always punctual , having very good attendance even though she was pregnant throughout the last term. She was always prepared, and finished her assignments. Parm strives for excellence , is articulate and helpful to other students when working in pairs or groups. She is very friendly and pleasant to have in class.

Bursary Recipient's Name: Rosemary Godden

Nominated by: Newcastle College, Mission Institution

Reason for Selection: Rosemary Godden is a motivated, high energy ABE teacher at Kent (Pacific Region's maximum security correctional facility) in Agassiz. She has been teaching and inspiring her students for the past eight years. In addition to her full time teaching position, and a bustling family life, she has been editor of the annual Literacy Day publication for the past six years. The Literacy Day publication highlights writing submissions from across the region in honour of International Literacy Day. In her time as editor, Rosemary has reorganized and defined the publication profile and distribution. It is now an attractive work that is well received by educators and site managers, improving the profile of literacy and education in correctional settings.

In addition to her professional and organization skills, Rosemary is an extremely positive person. Her smiling cheerful presence is noticed and appreciated by students and coworkers. She likes to involve students in reading (sometimes putting a humourous twist on their horoscopes.) As a maximum security prison, Kent can be a stressful environment to work in, yet Rosemary remains positive and supportive, always ready to encourage her co-workers. For example, as a member of the Wellness Committee at Kent, she has created a web page of self-care and fun activities. This page is now part of Kent's website.

Rosemary also volunteers with a community program (Literacy Now) dedicated to improving literacy. As a member of the Task Group for Literacy Now, she works with other members of the community (teachers and learners) examining ways in which to promote and improve literacy in the community.

Rosemary is a valued member of our teaching community in the Pacific Region and at Kent. She has dedicated herself to her work and the promotion of literacy. As her colleagues, we appreciate her contribution as a team player, as a teacher, and as an inspiration.

We respectfully nominate Rosemary to receive the Adult Basic Education Bursary in recognition of her ongoing commitment to Adult Literacy and Adult Learners.

Bursary Recipient's Name: Shirley Brown

Nominated by: North Island College Foundation

Reason for Selection: Shirley has been successful in her studies at North Island College's Port Hardy Campus.