UWinnipeg’s Model School students
WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg congratulates seven inner-city teenagers who are poised to graduate next week from the innovative Model School. The University of Winnipeg Collegiate Model School is a project on campus that began in September 2008 for students from Grade 9 to Grade 12 who show potential and need a different kind of learning environment. Students, who are referred by inner-city schools and community organizations, receive individualized learning plans so they can reach their fullest potential. Model School students are part of the Collegiate, UWinnipeg’s high school on campus. Approximately 25 students attend the Model School annually.
“I want to congratulate these Model School students for this remarkable achievement,” said UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor Lloyd Axworthy. “The Model School has given a real boost and a sense of confidence to these students. A few years ago, many of them may have been part of the dropout statistic. Now, they’re ready to go on to university. We think that is a really good success story.”
Model School students are also able to earn `tuition credits’ through UWinnipeg’s Opportunity Fund. The `earn as you learn’ approach rewards students for each school year successfully completed, and for participating in extra-curricular activities in their communities.
In both 2009 and 2010, three students graduated from the Model School. Next week, the following seven students will receive their high school diplomas:
Eric Champagne-Bisson – played for the Collegiate Varsity Boys Basketball Team.
Accepted into UWinnipeg’s Faculty of Education
Keneca Pingue-Giles – a promising basketball star, Keneca has just been accepted to Ryerson University. Last week she won a national award which honours excellence in African Canadian achievement
Christopher Cordell – enjoys playing basketball and plans to pursue Kinesiology studies at UWinnipeg
Raven Boulanger – a valuable member of the Collegiate Varsity Girl’s Basketball Team, Raven will pursue her studies at UWinnipeg and hopes to become a social worker
Ryan Bork – has been with the Model School for three years working towards a Mature Student Diploma. Plans to pursue a career assisting young people
Chantal Drury-Binne – decided to go back to school as a 22 year-old because she wanted to further her studies. She has already registered with the Collegiate to do further upgrading to attend University
Nick Scott – works as a youth leader at the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre, where he is a positive role model to many young people. He plays for the UWinnipeg College Men’s Basketball Team and plans to continue his studies at UWinnipeg
“We are thrilled to be attending the graduation ceremonies for the Model School students. They have all worked tremendously hard to achieve academic success and their diligence is paying off,” said Gerri Zacharias, Model School Program Facilitator. “We wish our graduates all the best as they continue their studies.”
The Model School – Collegiate cap and gown ceremony takes place:
Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Duckworth Centre
UWinnipeg
MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
