WHITEHORSE—The hard work and achievements of 42 Yukon College students will be celebrated this week at a special event called “Inspire: Student Success celebration”.

The event will bring together students who have received financial awards and the donors whose generosity make such awards possible. A total of $33,700 in bursaries and awards has been given to support students this academic year.

Brenda Prokopchuck is a fourth year Bachelor of Social Work student who is receiving the first ever Audrey McLaughlin Award in Social Work. Friends of Audrey McLaughlin established this $500 award in honour of her 80th birthday and Brenda won the award in part due to her longtime volunteer commitment to the Salvation Army soup kitchen and Whitehorse United Church.

“I quit my job to focus full-time on this program, so this award is a big help towards paying my tuition,” said 44-year-old Prokopchuk. “The program courses are especially relevant to the North and, alongside my volunteer experience, will help me advocate for those whose voices are not being heard.”

Annie Johnsgaard, a first year student in the Yukon School of Visual Arts foundation year program, is receiving the $1000 Whitehorse Motors Visual Art Award. She plans to further develop her practice before transferring into a Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto or Halifax.

“This award provides me with access to a lot more materials allowing me to focus on my art without carrying as much worry for my living expenses,” said 19-year-old Johnsgaard.

The event will get underway at 4:30 p.m. in the new Innovation Commons at Ayamdigut campus. Yukon College Foundation President Wendy Tayler will host.

Tagish Kwan Elder Shirley Adamson, alumnus Roxanne Vallevand, student Michelle Legere and donor Andrew Hoffman of Leith Wheeler will speak about what has inspired them in their lives.

There will also be a bucket list draw for students in attendance with prizes donated from Hershel Supply, Mount Sima, Yukon Brewing, Salon Centre Yukon, John Carson RMT, Wykes Independent Grocer, The Beer Tasters’ Social House and Northern Vision Development.

Learn more about financial awards and supports available to Yukon College students at yukoncollege.yk.ca/admissions/money-matters/.

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