Assiniboine celebrates student achievements

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This article was published 18/04/2019 (2581 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Kaitlin McCarthy torched the top of a smores cake at Assiniboine Community College on Wednesday.

It was a comfortable motion she did with precision. The pile of marshmallow turned a light shade of brown before she set the torch down.

The 19-year-old culinary arts student at Assiniboine Community College has been recognized for her talent in the kitchen, winning the One to Watch award for the culinary arts program this year.

“It’s a big honour for me (to receive the award),” she said. “I was kind of overwhelmed when I got the news, I was shocked, I didn’t expect it.”

She was one of 38 students to receive an award at the sixth annual Student Achievement Celebration Wednesday evening at the Keystone Centre. Recipients were selected by faculty members based on leadership, academics, volunteerism, contributions to student life and community involvement.

She took on a big role at the Grey Owl restaurant earlier this year, which helped her stand out for the One to Watch award.

One of the main chefs had to take a leave of absence during the event, and she took over their position as an instructor.

“I got switched into the position where now I have to guide these students,” she said. “So, making sure they understood they way I was taught to do things up to the standards and making sure everything stayed the exact same.”

She also helped make sure the bread was done every week, and desserts were prepped.

Taking over a large role at the dinner was challenging, but she said it helped her grow.

“It gave me a lot of control and a lot of confidence in where I am now. If I had to come in at nine in the morning and stay until nine in the evening I did.”

Cooking is familiary territory for the student.

Growing up, she spent a lot of time whipping up different dishes with the help of her mother and grandmother.

“My mom taught me how to cook probably around age eight, and making pastries and stuff like that with my grandma was always a big part of my childhood.”

Cooking allows her to explore her creativity, and she said, there’s no limit to how far you can go.

Right now, the second-year student said she’s not sure where life will take her, but it will likely involve some sort of cooking.

“Maybe in five years time I’ll decide I just want to stick fully with pastry, but we’ll see.”

Shelby Mymko was also recognized with the One to Watch award Wednesday evening. The 28-year-old interactive media arts student at Assiniboine has taken on a leadership role in the classroom.

“If students are having a hard time taking initiative, I’ll try to guide them in the right direction make sure everyone can bring something to the table for a project,” Mymko said.

She comes in early for class every day and is usually one of the last ones to leave at the end of the night. She has also been involved with the school in other ways, taking on the role of vice presidents of events and marketing for the students association this year, which she said she used to create a more accessible and student-friendly environment at the college.

“I worked really hard throughout these last two years, and it feels really good to know that people see that and that they believe in me that I’m going to be going somewhere with my future,” she said.

Hulley Martin, a police studies student at Assiniboine also received the One to Watch Award Wednesday evening.

“It’s always nice to be recognized for your hard work,” Martin said. “I’m very honoured to receive that recognition.”

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