Hi everyone! Happy New Year! The following post was written by Joanna, the original Let's Talk Science coordinator here at the University of Guelph who was active between 2008-2010.
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Happy new year! I hope all of you had a restful break. For those of you that were unable to make it to the volunteer appreciation party, I just wanted to let you all know what a pleasure it has been being the coordinator over the past few years. I have officially stepped down and am no longer coordinator. With that being said, being the coordinator was one of the most exciting, rewarding, and fun things that I have had the privileged of taking part in. Since I started up the program a few years ago, we have reached over 1000 youth! This makes me very proud and happy that I was able to work with so many amazing volunteers. Without you all, none of this would have been possible. However, despite me leaving (if I could stay forever, I would!!) I leave the program in Linda's hands. Even over the past few months she has already expanded the program more than I could have even imagined!! I can't wait to see how the program will grow in the future.
With regards to the party, a few more things occurred that I feel are worth mentioning. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the award winners. This past year Lindsay Bergeron and Mike Gerling earned the Project of the Year award. They both created such a cool workshop involving the human body. They gave a tour of the human anatomy lab on campus followed by a tour of the Science Centre Exhibit (Body Works). Not only did they engage the students and create something fun, unique, educational, and hands-on, they also did this all on their own (including recruiting educators, students, and arranging transportation)! They both went above and beyond, and greatly deserve this award. I applaud them both.
Secondly, before I announce the winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award, I have some sad news to share with all of you. One of our previous volunteers, Christopher Zweerman recently passed away in an unfortunate motorbike accident. Chris was an amazing volunteer. He was one of the most enthusiastic, happy, and passionate people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. He was a volunteer in the first year of the LTS program here at Guelph, and since completing his Masters was attending Medical School in Australia. I am so lucky that I had a chance to work with him. He embodied everything an LTS volunteer should be, and for this he was awarded the first ever LTS Guelph Volunteer of the Year Award. In his honour we have decided to name the Volunteer of the Year Award after him to keep his memory alive.
So, that brings me to the next (more positive) note. The recipient for the Christopher Zweerman Volunteer of the Year Award goes to Beau Frigault. Beau was an avid volunteer and did a great job. Congratulations to Beau.
Once again, I thank you all for the hard work and dedication to sharing science with kids. Thank you for making this such a positive experience for me over the past few years. Also, you haven't seen the last of me yet since I will be volunteering!!
Sincerely,
Joanna McPherson, MSc
Ontario Veterinary College
Class of 2012
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