Congratulations to the latest recipients of Red River College’s Lieutenant-Governor’s Medals for Proficiency, which will be awarded tonight and tomorrow as part of our Winter Convocation ceremonies.

Each year, up to four medals are awarded to RRC students who best combine good character, academic and technical achievement, and involvement in College and community activities. This year’s winners are:

Consuella Brass (Technical Vocational Teacher Education)

A graduate of RRC’s’s Technical Vocational Teacher Education degree program, delivered in partnership with the University of Winnipeg, Consuella Brass entered the education field following a successful kidney transplant three years ago.

Unable to continue working as a Red Seal Journeyman Chef, Consuella opted to pursue a career as a culinary arts instructor, having been inspired by the work-experience students she’d mentored in her kitchens.

While at the College, she gained insight into the need for more Aboriginal professionals to serve as mentors to low-income youth. Through her teaching practicum, she was inspired to create her own introductory program for youth considering careers in the culinary arts.

In the past, Consuella has been recognized with a Business Council of Manitoba Award, a Manitoba Teachers Society Bursary Award, an Aboriginal Veterans of Canada Award, and a Red River College Mature Student Bursary Award.

Consuella was born in Swan River, and is a member of the Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation near Birch River, Man. She enjoys travelling, spending time with family, and volunteering for various Aboriginal organizations.

Michael Buffie (Business/Technology Teacher Education — After Degree)

A graduate of RRC’s Business/Technology Teacher Education degree program, also offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg, Michael Buffie is currently finishing up his last semester at the U of W, and hopes to begin his teaching career in March.

He enrolled at Red River College to better prepare himself for the ever-expanding field of computer and business technology, by acquiring the skills to effectively incorporate and implement new technologies in the classroom.

Michael says his time at the College has given him the opportunity to be hands-on with the technology he’ll be using in the near future, and to create engaging, innovative lesson plans that his students will benefit from.

He is equally passionate about working with youth outside the classroom, having coached junior high and high school hockey, baseball and volleyball in his home city of Selkirk, and having helped to organize before- and after-school programs and spring and summer day camps.