Those who know Henry Nguyen describe him as a thoughtful and dedicated 21st century educator who is skilled at creating engaging and innovative learning experiences.

Nguyen, who received his Education degree at Brock’s recent Spring Convocation, took one of the Faculty’s top student honours as recipient of this year’s Dean’s Medal for Education. The award acknowledges Nguyen for academic and professional excellence in the Teacher Education Program.

The Hamilton resident is among dozens of graduating and current students to be recognized with 2017 Faculty of Education awards. He is also the winner of the Don Galbraith Award from the Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario (Junior/Intermediate) for his exemplary commitment to the teacher education science program.

Most recently, Nguyen was involved in setting up a school-based Makerspace program for young students to learn about electronics and coding.

“I love sharing all I have learned through my education and I believe that my knowledge can help my students acquire meaningful experience and succeed in their future endeavors,” Nguyen says. “I have learned so much about teaching pedagogies and all of the different elements of being an educator from my professors. They made my experience at Brock very meaningful.”

The annual awards celebrate student success as part of the Faculty’s shared values of teaching, learning and scholarship, says David Siegel, Interim Dean of Education.

“Our students thrive and excel in an environment in which they take their place within a community that is passionate about teaching and lifelong learning,” he says.  “Their enthusiasm and love for teaching is inspiring. We’re proud of their achievements and we are excited about their future success as teachers who are committed to making a difference in today’s 21st century classrooms.”  

Nadine Krikke, another double award winner, has some packing to do. The new Brock Education graduate will be leaving her home in Waterdown this summer to begin her career as a Grade 7 teacher at Credo Christian Elementary School in Langley, B.C.

Nadine Krikke is the winner of the Distinguished Graduating Student Award (Junior/Intermediate, Consecutive) and the Dean of Education Award (Junior/Intermediate), both in recognition of academic and professional excellence.

Krikke is the winner of the Distinguished Graduating Student Award (Junior/Intermediate, Consecutive) and the Dean of Education Award (Junior/Intermediate), both in recognition of academic and professional excellence.

“Since a very early age, I’ve always known that I’m passionate about two things; learning and helping others learn,” says Krikke.

“Beginning in high school, I have spent most of my academic career pursuing teaching and activities related to teaching. After completing the first observation day through my Brock placement, I knew I had chosen the right career.”

Award-winning student Jennifer Dockx says she has had an inspiring academic journey at Brock. Dockx is the winner of the Canadian Federation of University Women (Hamilton Branch) Award. The criteria for this award is demonstration of excellent potential in teaching and involvement in community affairs. She is also the winner of the Child and Youth Studies Book Prize and Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Award.

Jennifer Dockx is the winner of the Canadian Federation of University Women (Hamilton Branch) Award.

“I enjoyed my classes and surrounded myself with friends who shared my passion for education,” says the Tillsonburg resident. “When I compare the individual that I was five years ago to the person I am now, I smile and consider myself very fortunate. I made incredible memories with friends and community members.”

The following is a list of the 2017 Faculty of Education student awards:

• Russell N. Eden Art Award — Christina Romano
• Board of Trustees Spirit of Brock Medal — Alyssa Berardocco (Undergraduate), Christopher Ventura (Graduate)
• Eleanor Shaw Award — Sabrina Bieber
• Distinguished Graduating Student Award — Stephanie Innocentin, Primary/Junior (Concurrent); Ellery Rauwerda, Primary/Junior (Consecutive); Nancy DeGroot, Junior/Intermediate (Concurrent); Nadine Krikke, Junior/Intermediate (Consecutive); Austin Anderson, Intermediate/Senior (Concurrent)
• Dean of Education Award — Sumayya Bemat, Primary/Junior; Blair Caron, Primary/Junior; Nadine Krikke, Junior/Intermediate; Julia Chamberlain, Junior/Intermediate; Trisha Belleville, Intermediate/Senior; Jeremy Brownridge, Intermediate/Senior
• Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Award — Jennifer Dockx
• Dean’s Medal for Education — Henry Nguyen
• Canadian Federation of University Women (Hamilton Branch) — Jennifer Dockx
• Don Galbraith Award from the Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario — Henry Nguyen, Junior/Intermediate; Joshua Moscattini, Intermediate/Senior
• ADK Award of Excellence (Alpha Delta Kappa) — Ellery Rauwerda
• Jack Noble Book Prize — Jennifer Kopczinski
• Dr. Michael Kompf Book Prize — Lindsay Hayward
• Child and Youth Studies Book Prize — Jennifer Dockx
• Kimberly Wells Memorial Book Prize — Jessica Le Pera
• Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation Faculty of Education Award — Alexis Merpaw
• Helen G. Mitchell Award — Belinda Olij
• Distinguished Graduating Student Award — Jennifer Kopczinski, MEd Program; Breanne DeHaan, BECE; Nina Lee, PhD Program
• Tandia Credit Union Financial Literacy Award — Emily Barrett