A record number of graduates crossed the stage at the College of New Caledonia's convocation on Saturday.
A total of 230 grads received their diplomas and certificates in a wide cross-section of disciplines.
Three students were singled out for achievements above and beyond the norm. Accounting and finance graduate Wamona Yliruusi was presented the Governor General's Academic Collegiate Bronze Medal for earning the highest GPA in a diploma program.
Yliruusi graduated with a GPA of 4.28.
"It's quite an honour, but I worked hard for it of course," Yliruusi said. "I felt really proud and my husband hasn't saying how proud he is of me."
Yliruusi admitted she didn't know what the award signified when she was sent a letter from the college informing her she received it.
"I didn't go to school here for high school, so I hadn't heard of governor general's medals," she said.
Yliruusi was born and raised in Tanzania, and came to Canada after studying in South Africa. Here she met her husband, and she plans to stay and work in Canada.
"Eventually long-term I'm hoping to get one of the accounting designations," she said.
Social work student Flora Abraham was recognized for achievement of a different type. She received the Mary John Award which recognizes a student who exemplifies dignity, service, mentorship and crossing cultural boundaries.
"I was in shock and, honestly, I couldn't put anything in words because I was so excited," she said. "This Mary John Award is the best thing that ever happened to me."
Abraham is a leader and mentor with the college's Aboriginal Resource Centre and Dream Hunters student club. In addition, she volunteers with the Elizabeth Fry Society and Salvation Army.
"That's just who I am," he said. "I like to help our and just to be there for other students. We're supporting each other."
Abraham completed her social work diploma at the college and plans to finish her degree at UNBC. She said she hopes she can be a positive role model for other members of the Takla First Nation, and all aboriginal people.
"I want to give them the message that our culture is our life... especially the education park, that is really important," she said. "It's about striving for the best you can be."
Early childhood education student Jessica Marshall received the Lieutenant Governor's Silver Medal for the highest mark at the college in a certificate program.
Marshall graduated with a GPA of 4.33.
She couldn't be reached for comment as of press time.
The college also paid tribute to Ayman Aldhabaan, the first Saudi Arabian student to graduate from the college.
"Ayman was sort of student zero from Saudi Arabia," college spokesman Randall Heidt said. "We've had hundreds of students from Saudi study here since. Thank you Ayman for being such a great ambassador for Prince George."
