The summer student workforce is the life-blood of the Ontario Parks summer operating season. Our provincial parks simply could not operate without our student workers.
Last week, park staff, corporate partners and students gathered in Peterborough to award the 2017 Ontario Parks Partners Bursaries.
The Ontario Parks Partners Bursary was established in 2000 by several Ontario Parks corporate partners to recognize students who excel in their jobs with Ontario Parks. The $500.00 awards acknowledge the innovation and leadership of young people who work in Ontario’s provincial parks.
Our 2017 winners drew praise for their roles as mentors, educators and innovators. Whether they were administering First Aid, managing recycling programs or sharing park history and heritage with visitors, each student went above and beyond to earn their nomination.
Special congratulations to Hudson Blue, who received the Amber Booth Award
This award carries special recognition for bursary recipients whose efforts stand out in the areas of health, safety and wellness. This year’s winner, Hudson Blue, was involved in a number of emergency situations and rescues at Killarney Provincial Park.
In one instance, park staff responded to a call from an injured hiker on the trail up to “The Crack.” Hudson and a park warden travelled up to the casualty’s location and found more than a sprained ankle: the hiker had two broken bones in her leg.
After rendering First Aid, it was determined that helicopter extraction was necessary. The ORNGE air ambulance was able to land nearby, but not exactly at the casualty’s location. Hudson assisted in carrying the injured hiker up and across at least 100 m of steep, jagged terrain to the helicopter for a successful evacuation to the hospital.
Hudson performed as a reliable and effective member of the Killarney backcountry team who went over and above what would be expected of a summer student. Hudson expressed a willingness to help others in need and could be counted on to provide a compassionate presence in stressful situations. We were delighted to honour him at this year’s ceremony.
Student speaker Hudson Blue
“Congratulations to all the recipients. Thank you so much to the partners who make this all possible; we really appreciate what you guys do.
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“The summer student program advertises an awesome experience, a good summer job, and that is exactly what it gives you. I can’t think of a more beautiful place to work, I can’t think of a better group of people to work with, and I can’t think of a better job.”
Without the support of the following partners, the bursary program would not be possible
Since 2000, our corporate partners have provided over $250,000 to our students.
Big thanks to our 2017-2018 partners!
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This song from our Singing Superintendent Scott Thomas commemorates all the amazing work and passion our summer students bring to parks:
Congratulations to all our 2017 winners!
| Alanna Behm Chutes Provincial Park |
Alex Leclerc Voyageur Provincial Park |
| Alex Templar Quetico Provincial Park |
Anne Boulanger Kettle Lakes Provincial Park |
| Carrie Williamson Pinery Provincial Park |
Ceilidh Brennan Rushing River Provincial Park |
| Chardon Kozak Silent Lake Provincial Park |
Claire Coenen White Lake Provincial Park |
| Dayna Duffy Halfway Lake Provincial Park |
Emalee Riddell Sharbot Lake Provincial Park |
| Emily Ayers Bass Lake Provincial Park |
Emma Ankney Blue Lake Provincial Park |
| Emma Fuller Bon Echo Provincial Park |
Eric Bayford Nagagamisis Provincial Park |
| Georgina Preston Frontenac Provincial Park |
Grace Heys Earl Rowe Provincial Park |
| Graham Mutchmor Lake Superior Provincial Park |
Hannah Ackerman Sandbanks Provincial Park |
| Hannah Summers Bonnechere Provincial Park |
Hudson Blue Killarney Provincial Park |
| Jenna White Killbear Provincial Park |
Jordan Ziese Algonquin Provincial Park |
| Joshua Keefe Silver Lake Provincial Park |
Kyra Santin Northwest Zone Office |
| Laura Moore Algonquin Provincial Park |
Lauren Barch Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park |
| Mackenzie Taylor Port Burwell Provincial Park |
Mary Hadwen Marten River Provincial Park |
| Matthew Thomson Long Point Provincial Park |
Mikaela Hinz Point Farms Provincial Park |
| Noah Lasci McRae Point Provincial Park |
Olivia Baguley Arrowhead Provincial Park |
| Rachel Humphrey Darlington Provincial Park |
Rebecca Evans Turkey Point Provincial Park |
| Sam Nusselder MacGregor Point Provincial Park |
Sisitha Warnakulasuriya Arac Algonquin Provincial Park |
| Taylor Bishop Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park |
Taylor Ives Wheatley Provincial Park |
| Teija Opitz Bronte Creek Provincial Park |
Vanessa Cayouette Rene Brunelle Provincial Park |