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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday October 25, 2008 - 21 ATHENA Sheridan Scholarship Recipient LINDA KOVACHIS "It just clicked. Immediately I knew this is what I was meant to do". On a bright and sunny morning, Linda Kovachis opens up and speaks passionately about being a mother to two beautiful daughters, a role model, soccer coach, active member of the community and a future Montessori professional. A graduate from York University with a Bachelor's Degree in Arts, Linda specialized in environmentally green initiatives. In 2000, Linda made the decision to leave the Ministry of Environment as a policy writer and returned home to be a stay at home mom and wife. This was the first of many life altering changes that Linda was about to make. Emerging from a difficult relationship, Linda courageously stepped outside of the familiar and embarked on a new journey of returning to post secondary to study the philosophies and teachings of the Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Education (Intensive) Program at Sheridan College. While volunteering with the young children at her church and with her children's sport teams, Linda naturally observed the children's behaviour and designed lessons plans tailored to the individual. It is the success of her students and encouragement from her family and friends which have driven Linda to excel. As a role model to all, Linda is a wonderful example of the eight ATHENA tenants. The tenants can be seen in her beliefs and all that she does. In the future Linda would like to act as a liaison for the Montessori Education Program and the Day Nursing Act (the body of Government which responsible for licensing of Montessori facilities) to bring about change and new policy. Women in Skilled Trade Scholarship Recipients KIM DOBSON According to her instructors, Kim has excelled in the WIST program "to master the academic material and the hands-on skills, and it shows in both her marks and her finished projects." Starting out in The Centre's Get in Gear program, Kim found her passion for the electrical trade, graduating at the top of this class in the electrical portion of the program. So much so, should she be successful in receiving this award, Kim plans to put it towards tools for the electrical apprenticeship she will enter with Kennedy Electric, a valued supporter of the WIST program for the past few years. A classmate commends Kim as "a wonderful source of support to other classmates and a great role model of what women are striving to achieve in the industry." Kim learns and adapts quickly, and is a hard worker. One classmate describes Kim as "a source of encouragement and motivation for all." BETTY-MAY EVANS Betty-May was so determined to enter and excel in the WIST program, she spoke with former students, arranged for a part-time job to help with day-care costs, and even studied the course curriculum, all in advance of her actual enrolment in this year's program. In addition to excellent academic achievement, Betty-May technical ability is also outstanding. "I am proud to point to something that I have built and say, `Do you see that? I made it'!" While she enjoys helping out by sharing her knowledge with classmates, Betty-May also considers herself a "teachable spirit," who appreciates the guidance and support of others when mastering a new skill. Her instructors concur, complementing Betty-May's work ethic, mastery of tools, positive attitude and total commitment to the program.Although Betty struggled to "discover what I want to be when I grow up," she is considered by her instructors to be "a wonderful ambassador for women in the trades (who) will be successful in any job she is hired to do." LINDA JUST Even if she had not been awarded the WIST Scholarship, Linda is grateful for the tremendous opportunity she feels she has already received simply by participating in the WIST program itself. She plans to work in the field of renovations. Linda drives from Orangeville each day, arriving early, and has never missed a class. She balances classes with landscaping work she does on evenings and weekends. With a positive attitude, Linda gets along well with students and instructors alike. Linda learns new skills quickly, and she is adept at taking on a leadership role to teach and explain these new skills to her classmates. Her instructors are impressed with her skills as "a fantastic ambassador for the program and women in the trades... (Linda) is not afraid to talk to groups and schools about the program and having young women understand that the trades are an excellent opportunity for women". PLUM fresh innovative YOUR CORPORATE CATERING SPECIALISTS Beauty, Rejuvenation, Detox Health & Wellness Xocai, Best Chocolate 4 Your Health Platinum Award Winning Esthetician (905) 827-2222 1131 NOTTINGHILL GATE PLACE www.lexquisite.ca · www.bestchocolate4yourhealth.com We Are Proud Supporters of the Athena Awards As one of Oakville's leading caterers, we offer catering for: · · · · · 905.257.5881 261 Oak Walk Drive, Oakville www.ritor no.ca 905.844.7401 312 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville www.juliasristorante.com 905-844-7110