St. Catharines Game and Fish Association Environmental Award
The St. Catharines Game and Fish Association actively supports higher education at Niagara College. In 2023, the association established the Environmental Award to recognize individuals with a strong commitment to environmental conservation and outdoor activities. This award celebrates recipients for their dedication to environmental stewardship and their contributions to sustainability initiatives.
Congratulations to the following outstanding students who have been selected to receive this bursary. Your hard work and dedication have earned you this well-deserved recognition. Wishing you continued success in all your future endeavors!
2025 Recipients
Janice Holmes – Environmental Technician
Janice Holmes is a dedicated Environmental Technician student with more than a decade of prior workforce experience. She began studying Water Operations at Niagara College in 2024, where she developed a deep interest in environmental sustainability. In 2025, she completed a co‑op placement with GHD, enhancing her sampling and analysis skills and earning a post‑graduation job offer. She has also completed her operator‑in‑training exams and received training at the Walkerton Clean Water Centre. After graduating, Janice plans to join GHD full‑time as a Field Technician while working toward future water operator roles. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys hiking and fishing, maintaining a strong connection to the natural environment.
Tyler Young – Environmental Technician
Tyler Young is an Environmental Technician student at Niagara College with a lifelong passion for animals and the natural world. Growing up in Fort Erie, he developed early interests in wildlife, which he now expresses through collecting, documenting, and performing taxidermy on insect species from across Ontario, as well as caring for reptiles and amphibians. His enthusiasm for environmental conservation led him to pursue formal training at Niagara College, where he has gained skills in data collection, monitoring, and interpretation—tools essential for understanding and protecting ecosystems in a rapidly developing world. Tyler’s commitment to conservation continues to grow, and he is currently preparing to conduct vernal pool monitoring focused on salamander habitats, marking his first major step into field‑based environmental work. He is dedicated to contributing to environmental sustainability and ensuring future generations can experience the natural world as he has.
2024 Recipients
Saige Praill – Environmental Technician
From early summers spent camping and exploring the outdoors, Saige developed a deep-rooted passion for environmental conservation. A pivotal experience working at a provincial park further solidified her commitment to making a meaningful impact on sustainability efforts. This dedication led Saige to pursue studies in Niagara College’s Environmental Technician program, where immersive lab work and field studies enhanced her knowledge of ecosystems and environmental stewardship. During her college co-op on an organic farm, Saige gained valuable insight into sustainable agriculture and the essential connection between people and the land. With a steadfast commitment to conservation, sustainability, and ecological protection, she is eager to contribute to meaningful environmental initiatives and create a lasting impact.
Chris Bartel – Environmental Technician
Chris Bartel’s journey into environmental science was shaped by unexpected experiences and a passion for learning. Now pursuing studies in the Environmental Technician Field and Laboratory program at Niagara College, Chris has developed a strong interest in water chemistry, sampling, and analysis. His dedication to environmental sustainability has fueled his ambition to build a career in Drinking Water Treatment, where he hopes to contribute to responsible resource management and clean water accessibility.
2023 Recipient
Haadeon Scott – Environmental Technician
Haadeon Scott is a second-year student in the Environmental Technician Field and Lab Co-op at Niagara College’s NOTL campus. With a deep passion for the outdoors and the environment, Haadeon is an outgoing individual who enjoys sharing this enthusiasm with others eager to learn.