Awards Presented to Two Students Pursing Post-Secondary Studies in Engineering

On Tuesday, August 30, 2016, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) Department of Technical Services (DTS) presented the Ontario First Nations Technical Service Corporation (OFNTSC) Student Achievement Award and the Gerald Sharrow Memorial Award to two deserving students committed to Post-Secondary studies in Engineering or a relate field.

Jay Benedict, Director of MCA DTS, nominated 4 students this year with help from Ahkwesahsne Mohawk Board of Education Post-Secondary Administrator Norma Sunday.

Five OFNTSC Student Achievement Awards are handed out to eligible students living across Ontario's 134 First Nation Communities. Blake Tarbell is one of the five chosen recipients for the 2016 OFNTSC Student Achievement Award. Blake Tarbell is currently attending the University of British Columbia and is studying Engineering. In addition to receiving this award, Tarbell is invited to attend the 2016 First Nations Water Symposium hosted by OFNTSC. The Symposium is set to take place October 17-19 in Niagara Falls, Ontario. There will be 250 delegates present at the Symposium consisting of chiefs, plant operators and directors. Blake is the son of Noni and Chucky Tarbell.

The Gerald Sharrow Memorial Award is presented annually to a deserving Mohawk Student pursuing a career in engineering, construction or a related field. This award is dedicated in memory of Gerald Sharrow, 1937-2003, honoring his 25-year role in the planning and construction of major capital works throughout Akwesasne. The 2016 recipient of this award is Taelor Jock. Taelor Jock is a recent graduate of C.C.V.S. This fall he will be attending Seneca College for Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design. Taelor is the son of Maureen Thompson and Howie Jock.

Congratulations Blake Tarbell and Taelor Jock!