St. Clair Student Representative Council (SRC) President Holly Nicholson was presented with the prestigious ATHENA Scholarship during a Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce luncheon on November 2.
Also recognized as ATHENA Scholarship recipients were University of Windsor students Sydney Chapados and Erin Dufour.
Selection criteria for this scholarship program include community involvement, potential for leadership, academic excellence, and inspiring women to reach their full potential.
The scholarship is valued at $5,000.
According to Loretta Stoyka, President of the ATHENA Scholarship Fund (Windsor), this program is in keeping with the ATHENA philosophy, which maintains that by elevating people with potential and solid values, they will be exceptional role models. It is believed that, by the setting of a good example, others will be inspired to achieve excellence.
The ATHENA Scholarship Program is sponsored by St. Clair College, the University of Windsor, the Windsor Family Credit Union, Anne Winterbottom, Loris Macor, Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Rotary Club of Windsor-St. Clair, Generator Design, and Roth, and Mosey & Partners LLP. Media sponsors are AM800 CKLW, YOUR TV and The Windsor Star.
Nicholson, a St. Clair Business Administration-Human Resources grad, made these remarks in her acceptance speech:
Former American First Lady Michelle Obama said this: “Through my education, I didn’t just develop skills, I didn’t just develop the ability to learn – but I developed confidence.”
I think that is what the ATHENA program is really all about. It’s not just – or even primarily – about the ability of the recipients to absorb academic information; but, moreso, it recognizes how the process of striving towards success in an educational setting can change us as people – by developing our confidence, our work-ethic, our connection to the community, and our leadership potential.
When I started my college voyage in Business Administration-Human Resources, I made it a priority to work hard and get involved. Joining the student government at St. Clair seemed like a great way to take on a leadership role in which I could connect with other students.
Being a St. Clair College student has provided me with so many amazing opportunities, and I am so thankful I chose to study here in Windsor. I’m so grateful for the people in my life, who constantly encouraged me to be the best version of myself. I have hopes of continuing my education in the future and pursuing a degree. But, for now, I enjoy being a mentor to my fellow student council board members, and helping the students of St. Clair make the most of their time at college. By word or example, if I can encourage other students to aspire to the philosophy of the ATHENA program, I will certainly do that during my remaining time at the college.
Through St. Clair’s student council, I became involved with the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association, and served as a student board member with that organization. The council – and I as its President – also worked frequently on awareness and fundraising campaigns for causes such as suicide prevention and mental health issues, cancer research and treatment, and local hunger and food bank support. As I enter the work-force, I intend to stay actively involved in my community as a volunteer.
I have been so fortunate to have so many strong female role models in my life, who helped shape me into the person and the leader that I am today. And I hope I can have the same effect on the people in my life.
I suppose it is the confidence created by education, as cited by Michelle Obama, that allows you to share your ideas with like-minded people, share your passion with the world, and share your ability to lead and mentor future leaders. That confidence, also, allows you to be a friend: to branch out of your comfort zone, connect with people who inspire you, and to connect with people who will push you to succeed and do the same for them.
I want to sincerely thank the ATHENA Scholarship Fund, the Board of Directors, our 2018 Sponsors, and ATHENA Scholarship Judges, the ATHENA Scholarship Luncheon Committee, the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, and everyone who attended today. I hope to inspire the people around me, and will continue making an impact in our community.
